Polystigma cichlid

Nimbochromis polystigma

Family : Cichlidae

FishFreshwaterHaps

Nimbochromis polystigma is a medium-sized haps cichlid with a spotted body and predatory behavior. It is less aggressive than its relatives and suitable for community tanks of large cichlids.

Polystigma cichlid — photo 1 sur 4
Cymothoa exigua · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 4
Popularity
Biotope specialist
requires biotope recreation
Availability
Specialty only
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern

Description

This fish has an elongated body and a pointed head, with a slightly protractile mouth. Its coloration is silvery to beige, covered with many small dark spots that extend onto the fins. Adult males may show a slight bluish tint on the throat. It reaches about 20 cm. It is an ambush predator, hiding in vegetation or rocks. In the aquarium, it is generally peaceful with fish of equal or larger size, but may eat small fish. It is best kept in a group of one male and several females. Its behavior is less territorial than that of mbunas.

Habitat

Region :

Lake Malawi

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2428 °C
pH7.58.5
GH1020 °dGH
KH812 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
2/5
Diet
Carnivore
Min. tank
300 L
Min. group
4
Adult size
20 cm
Lifespan
7 years
Temperament
Semi-agressif
Propagation
Incubateur buccal

Care notes

Temperature 24–28°C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH 10–20. A minimum tank volume of 300 liters is recommended for a group. The aquarium should have open areas and hiding spots with rocks and plants. Substrate can be sand. Diet is carnivorous: worms, shrimp, whole fish, carnivore pellets. Avoid fatty foods. This species cohabits well with other haps or robust mbunas, but not with very small fish. Weekly water changes of 20% are sufficient. Filtration should be efficient with moderate current.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References