HomeFreshwater aquarium fishSouth & Central American cichlidsNimbochromis venustus Nimbochromis venustus Scientific name: Nimbochromis venustus Boulenger, 1908 Nimbochromis venustus is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 25 cm (9.8 in). It is easy to keep, needs carefully chosen tank mates and needs water at 25–30°C (77–86°F). Native range: Africa, Endemic to Lake Malawi where it is widely distributed.. . Nimbochromis venustus care at a glanceCare levelEasyCommunity tankWith cautionAdult size25 cm (9.8 in)Temperature25–30°C (77–86°F)Hardness12–30 dGH (214–535 ppm)DietOmnivore. Accepts pellets and frozen foods. BiologyDorsal spines (total): 16 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10. Diagnosis: presence of a lozenged melanin pattern; no spots on pectoral fins; no radiating melanin pattern on the head; no highly contrasting, anastomosing horizontal and vertical melanin components on the body; body depth 38.1-40.9% of standard length; head length 32.0-33.8% of standard length; length of lower jaw 36.3-40.8% head length; dorsal fin base 53.3-57.7% of standard length.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameNimbochromis venustusFamilyCichlidae (Cichlids)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length25.0Common length22.5Depth range6–23 m (20–75 ft)EnvironmentFreshwater;; pH range: 7.2 - 8.8; dH range: 10 - 18 demersal; non-migratory; depth range 6 - 23 mClimateTropicalDistributionAfrica: endemic to Lake Malawi where it is widely distributed.Conservation status (IUCN)Least Concern (LC)Threat to humansHarmlessUsesFisheries:; aquarium: commercialResilienceMedium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Fec More south & central american cichlidsMikrogeophagus altispinosusApistogramma nijsseniLowland cichlidHerichthys carpintisCryptoheros panamensisYellow cichlidThorichthys helleriSmooth-cheek eartheaterGymnogeophagus gymnogenysSee all south & central american 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