Livingston's Cichlid (Nimbochromis livingstonii)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameNimbochromis livingstonii

FamilyCichlidae

Also known asKalingo, Sleeper Cichlid, Livingstonii, Haplochromis livingstonii

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentAggressive

DietCarnivore

Adult size10 in

Minimum tank size125 gallons

Water parametersTemp 76-82°F, pH 7.8-8.6, GH 10-20 dGH

Appearance

Cream/white body with bold brown blotches; males develop blue iridescence. Lies on its side feigning death to lure scavengers.

Difficulty and care for the Livingston's Cichlid

Moderate

Origin and habitat

Lake Malawi, Africa

Keeper notes

Large predator famous for 'playing dead' to ambush prey; eats smaller fish. Territorial; keep one male with several females in a large tank.

Log Livingston's Cichlid in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Livingston's Cichlid alongside everything else in your reef.

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