Species profile
Livingstonii Cichlid
Nimbochromis livingstonii
Aggressive
Hard care
600 L minimum aquarium
20–25 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Large Lake Malawi ambush predator famous for lying motionless and feigning death. Small fish are prey; adult housing must prioritise footprint and robust filtration.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–26 °C
pH
7.5–8.6
GH
10–25 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
4.2
A specialised piscivore. The death-feigning ambush behaviour is natural, not illness. Tankmates must be too large to swallow and able to cope with a big Malawi predator.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Piscivore
Minimum aquarium volume
600 L
Minimum footprint
180 × 60 cm
Accepted scientific name
Nimbochromis livingstonii
Alternative names
Livingstonii Cichlid, Livingston’s Cichlid, Kalingono, Nimbochromis livingstonii
Native range
Lake Malawi basin, East Africa.
Natural habitat
Uses varied shallow lake habitats including sand, rock and vegetated margins. Provide extensive open floor, broken sight lines and large refuges.
Diet & feeding
Primarily a fish predator. In captivity use quality carnivore cichlid pellets plus appropriate frozen foods; do not use feeder fish as routine nutrition.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Adult males become more strongly blue/coloured, while females/juveniles retain the cryptic blotched pattern more strongly.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder. Males court females and the female incubates the brood orally; provide substantial space to reduce breeding aggression.