Livingstoni
Country of Origin: 🇺🇸USALivingstonii Cichlid
The Livingstonii Cichlid (Nimbochromis livingstonii) is a piscivorous Haplochromis that naturally reside in Lake Malawi in the Great Rift Valley, East Africa. Its impressive size, behavior, and attractive color patterns make it a popular fish among hobbyists.
This fish can grow to about 10 inches in length and hence a 125-gallon tank is recommended for adults and 70 gallons for young ones. The preferred water temperature is 24°C to 28°C with a pH range of 7.5 - 8.5. A sand substrate, rocks, and wood for hiding will better make them feel at home.
The Livingstonii Cichlid is an aggressive fish. It is also one of the most specialized predators in nature. It will pretend to be dead by lying side down and not breathing for a while till the prey closes in where it then captures and eats it. This behavior can also be seen in the aquarium.
A mature male Livingstonii Cichlid develops a light blue tint at the forehead but the female retains her usual plain, spotted coloration. When taken care of properly, they can live up to 10 years in an aquarium.
Feeds
The Livingstonii Cichlids are omnivores and they mostly enjoy eating high-quality protein foods. In the wild, the fish hunts and feeds on some small fish and that’s why it’s considered to be a piscivore.
The best foods for the Livingstonii Cichlid are:
- Brine shrimp
- Omnivore pellet
- Feeder fish
- Freeze-dried krill
Some vegetables should be added to help them meet their dietary needs. When feeding them feeder fish, care should be taken as this could easily initiate hunting instincts in the tank.
Tankmates
The Livingstonii Cichlids are not community fish. They are moderately aggressive and predaceous and will be highly territorial during spawning.
Despite them being solitary fish, they can be kept in a species aquarium or alongside other cichlids. Ensure that the tank mates are of equal size, as the Livingstonii Cichlid is naturally designed to primarily eat other fish.
Most ideal tankmates include large Synodontis catfish, Dimidiochromis, and other sizeable Nimbochromis or Haplochromis species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Livingstonii Cichlids aggressive?
The Livingstonii Cichlids are relatively peaceful among themselves but will get territorial when spawning. They are moderately aggressive and predaceous and will tend to eat any other small fish species.
How big do Livingstonii Cichlids get?
The livingstonii Cichlid is a large African Cichlid. the maximum reported length of the male Lavingtonii Cichlid is 9.8 inches and 7.9 inches for females
Stats
Scientific name:Nimbochromis livingstonii
Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
Size: 10”
Breeding: Mouthbrooders
Diet: Omnivores
Temperament: Aggressive
DOA Policy
While this is a rare occurrence, it can and will happen from time to time. Fish are live animals and we cannot ensure that every one will arrive alive or remain alive. We do ask that if your fish arrives dead (DOA), submit a picture of the deceased fish that is in the bag within 2 hours of the delivery time of your fish. We will work quickly with you to resolve the problem.
We will offer replacement fish for any losses, but do not offer refunds at this time. We can replace fish but shipping costs is the responsibilityof the buyer. If you put the fish in your tank and it dies or is not acting properly, please contact us, with pictures,within 24 hours. We will again, do everything in our power to resolve the issue and ensure that you have a great experience with these fish.
Shipping Policy
Most Shipments will be UPS Next Day Air unless otherwise noted. Processing fish for your order can take up to 2 business days. This is to ensure your fish and healthy, happy, and ready to be put in your tank when it arrives. We ship fish on Mondays- Wednesday (excluding holidays) to ensure fish arrive before weekends. This allows us to completely prepare the fish for shipping and ensure they are healthy prior to arrive at your door. All fish will be shipped with oxygenated water and specific additives in the water to ensure they maintain their health and stability during shipment. Depending on the species of fish and current weather conditions, the fish may arrive with a heat pack or ice pack to maintain the optimal temperature which further ensures the health and safety of your fish. All costs of shipping (postage, packaging,heat/ice packs, etc.) are included in the Shipping fee. We ship to only the continental United States.
FAQ
"The fish I received do not look like the fish in thepicture. Why is this?"
- We typically take photographs of one or two fish when we initially get them in. Since we have a large quantity of most of the various species of fish, it would be understandably impossible to provide a picture ofevery individual fish with a specific species. For some of our more rare orlarger fish, the picture listed may be the actual fish that you are receiving.If this is the case, it will be designated by ?WYSIWYG?, meaning ?what you see,is what you get?.
"What happens if my fish arrive dead?"
- While this is a rare occurrence, it can and willhappen from time to time. Fish are live animals and we cannot ensure that everyone will arrive alive or remain alive. We do ask that if your fisharrives dead (DOA), submit a picture of the deceased fish that is in the bag.We will work quickly with you to resolve the problem. We will offer replacement fish for any losses, but do not offer refunds at this time. We will reship any replacement fish at the buyer's expense. If you put the fish in your tank and it dies or is not acting properly, please contact us, with pictures, within 24 hours. We will again, do everything in our power to resolvethe issue and ensure that you have a great experience with these fish.
"What if I'm not home when the fish arrive?"
- We will always provide you with a tracking number. While the fish are packaged to survive about 72+ hours within the shipping containers, we do ask that you make arrangements to arrive home to inspect your fish as soon as possible after they are delivered to your home. Itis always suggested to provide an area for the delivery person to place the boxthat is out of direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
"What do I do with my fish once I've unpacked them?"
- Like you would with any new fish, let the entire bag float in your tank for 15-30 minutes. This allows the temperature withinthe bag to adjust to the same as your tank and will reduce temperature shock onthe fish. After this time, you can add all of the fish and water that is in thebag into your tank. The products used within the water for shipping will notharm any existing fish within your tank and actually makes the transition foryour new fish a bit easier. After this, expect your new fish to take a few daysto become fully adjusted, this includes hiding, floating at the top, sinking tothe bottom, and not eating. After a few days, your new fish should be acting aswimming like they normally would. At this point, enjoy your aquarium!
"I want to return my new fish because x,y,z?"
- Unfortunately, we are unable to accept returns.We do recommend contacting us via email with yourorder number and as much information as possible. We will try to assist you inresolving whatever the issue may be.
Livingstoni