SCIENTIFIC NAME(S): Nimbochromis venestus

Common Name(s): Venestus, Giraffee Cichlid, Camo cichlid

Origin: Africa, Lake Malawi

Family: Chicldae

Species Type: Venestus

Maximum Size: 10-11 Inches in aquariums

Life Span: 10-12 Years

Natural Habitat: Endemic to the sandy shores of Lake Malawi. Likes rocky out croppings and vegetation and tree roots in the wild.

Diet: All types of live foods, beef hearts, brine shrimp, lettuce, spinach, flakes and food sticks.

Temperature: 75-79 Degrees

PH: 7-9 and 10-20 dGH Slightly to moderate alkaline water.

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons or larger

Tank Region: All areas, mainly the middle and bottom.

Temperament: Territorial, peaceful to other males and aggressive to females.

Possible Tank Mates: Dimidiochromis, Cyrtocara, Fossorochromis, Psuedotropheus, other Nimbochromis.

Filtration and Setup: Hob, mechanical, chemical, trickle or canister filters are great. Sand is the favorite substrate, rock can also be used. Likes many hiding places with rocky outcroppings,tree roots and some grass but will dig.

Coloration: Yellow with brownish gold camo pattern along body. Males have blue deads and anal fin

Breeding: Mouth brooders, the fish do a courtship dance. This usually takes place in a prepared pit or on a cleaned flat surface such as slate. The females pickup the eggs in mouth and the male fertilizes them in the dance. The female then holds the eggs in her mouth till hatching. This takes about 3 weeks to a month for fry to be released. The female will then watch them for about 1 week more before they are left alone.