All fish / Cichlidae

Fusco

Nimbochromis fuscotaeniatus

Also known as fusco, fuscotaeniatus, fusco cichlid, fuscotaeniatus haplochromis, haplochromis fuscotaeniatus, nimbochromis fusco, ニンボクロミス・フスコタエニアートゥス, 棕带雨丽鱼

This is a large, heavy-bodied predatory haplochromine from Lake Malawi. Females and young fish are silvery-tan and covered in big dark blotches. Mature males turn a metallic blue-green, often with a red-tinged head. Keepers prize it for the striking colour of the males and its bold, characterful behaviour.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

22 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

7.6 to 8.6

Smallest tank

500 litres

Keep as

One male with 3 or more females

Diet

Carnivore: quality cichlid pellets, krill, mussel, prawn and whole fish-based foods

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe (Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania)

Breeding

It is a maternal mouthbrooder. The female holds the eggs and fry for about three weeks after spawning on a flat stone or pit dug by the male. Breeding is fairly easy in a large tank with several females to spread the male's attention.

Good to know

Adults can exceed 25 cm and will eat any fish small enough to swallow, so keep them only with robust Malawi haps or peacocks of a similar size. Avoid high-protein mammal meats, as they can cause Malawi bloat.