Polystigma cichlid
Nimbochromis polystigma
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.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 7.5–8.5 |
| GH | 10–20 |
| KH | 8–12 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.5 |
Care
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.