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Venustus Cichlid

Scientific Name: Haplochromis venustus
Recommended Aquarium: 50+ Gallons
Approx. Adult Size: 6 inches
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Ease of Care: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Native Waters: Africa-Malawi

The juveniles and females have a white to golden body with several large dark patches. The adult male, which can reach 8 inches or more transforms into a golden body with an electric blue face and a deep gold to white stripe. The deep gold to white stripe runs right up the nose to the forehead. Very similar in appearance to the Nimbochromis polystigma , the Venustus has larger spots and more of an “open” pattern than the Polystigma. Both are thought to await prey by appearing to be dead and rotting on the bottom. In the aquarium, they will eat most prepared foods and will require frequent partial water changes.

Approximate arrival size for Venustus: 1 to 2 inches