HomeFreshwater aquarium fishAfrican cichlidsNimbochromis livingstonii Nimbochromis livingstonii Scientific name: Nimbochromis livingstonii G?nther, 1894 Nimbochromis livingstonii is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 25 cm (9.8 in). It is moderate to keep and aggressive and needs water at 24–26°C (75–79°F) and a pH of 7.5–8.5. Native range: Africa, widespread occurrence in Lake Malawi, upper Shire River and Lake Malombe. Nimbochromis livingstonii care at a glanceCare levelModerateTemperamentAggressiveAdult size25 cm (9.8 in)Temperature24–26°C (75–79°F)pH7.5–8.5Hardness10–18 dGH (178–321 ppm)DietOmnivore BiologyDorsal spines (total): 15 - 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10. Diagnosis: unique color pattern with 4 conspicuous dark bars radiating from the eye; body silvery, yellowish or blue with a highly contrasting black blotched pattern with anastomosing horizontal and vertical components; faint spots on the pectoral fins; no speckles on head and body; head length 34.0-37.0% of standard length; body depth 32.9-38.3% of standard length; dorsal fin base 49.6-53.7% of standard length; lower jaw 37.5-46.2% head length; head width 40.8-47.0% head length.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameNimbochromis livingstoniiFamilyCichlidae (Cichlids)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length25.0Depth range0–114 m (0–374 ft)EnvironmentFreshwater;; pH range: 8.0 - 8.0; dH range: 9 - 19 demersal; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 114 m, usually ? - 78 mClimateTropicalDistributionAfrica: widespread occurrence in Lake Malawi, upper Shire River and Lake Malombe.Conservation status (IUCN)Least Concern (LC)Threat to humansHarmlessUsesFisheries:; aquarium: commercialResilienceMedium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Fec More african cichlidsOtopharynx lithobatesFlavescent peacockAulonocara stuartgrantiGreenface aulonocaraAulonocara saulosiBlue orchid aulonocaraAulonocara maylandi kandeensisAulonocara chizumuluAulonocara korneliaeFairy cichlidAulonocara jacobfreibergiSee all african cichlids SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.Last updated 28 September 2026