Nimbochromis livingstonii is very similar to its
cousin Nimbochromis
venustus in many ways. Both are large, active predators that need
lots of room to move about. N. livingstonii also has its own unique
deceptive method of hunting small Cichlid fry.
This Hap lures unsuspecting fry and
other small fish within range by feigning death. It hunts the fry of mbuna
and other Cichlids among the rocky and shallow areas of the lake. When
this fish finds an area that it wants to hunt, it will lay completely on
its side, pretending to be dead, and patiently waits for small fish to
come within range. Then, when it's ready, it leaps off the sand, devouring
its prey. This unique method of hunting has earned this fish the name
Kaligono by the people living around the lake, which means
"sleeper."
Fry and juveniles should not be
paired with N. livingstonii because it will prey on small fish in
the aquarium. This Hap usually reaches an adult size of 10", or 25cm,
although I have seen some much larger than this. Females tend to be a
little smaller, and are decorated with brown and white camouflage. Males
sprout a blue tint to the brown and white coloring.
As mentioned already, this Hap needs
lots of room to move. Nothing less than 135 gallons will do for an adult
N. livingstonii, and really 150 gallons and up is recommended. The
food of choice for this predator is Spirulina and the European Shrimp Mix. If
you decide to feed this fish live food (e.g., guppies), be aware that
doing so will only encourage its predatious nature, which could later be
directed towards more valuable tank mates. Also note that live food has
the potential of carrying diseases that could be transferred to your
fish.
Breeding males of N.
livingstonii turn a dark blue, which almost completely obscures the
blotched pattern of brown and white. Breeding males refrain from feeding
during the breeding period, as they have lost their camouflage. Remember,
they rely entirely upon their "death shamming" predatory technique and
never pursue prey. During the breeding period, they stay close to the
shallow, saucer-shaped crater they will later use as the spawning site. It
seems that males feel very vulnerable in breeding dress as they quickly
flee when divers show up. □