Living Stone - 4"

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Nimbochromis livingstonii
• Common Name: Livingston's Cichlid, Living Cichlid
• Adult Size: 10–12 inches (25–30 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 8–10 years
• Habitat: Native to Lake Malawi, Africa; prefers shallow, sandy-bottomed areas with scattered rocks and vegetation. Often found near the lakebed where it can employ its ambush hunting strategy.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons (due to size and territorial behavior)
• Ideal Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Range: 7.8–8.6
• Water Hardness: 10–20 dGH

  Temperament: Aggressive and predatory

  • Best kept with other large, robust African cichlids
  • Should not be housed with small fish, as they will be viewed as prey
  • Requires plenty of open space and rock structures for territory and ambush hiding

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Technically yes, but primarily carnivorous
  • Feeds on small fish and invertebrates in the wild
  • In captivity, diet should include meaty foods such as frozen krill, shrimp, carnivore pellets, and occasional live food
  • Avoid feeding feeder fish due to parasite risk; use high-quality prepared foods instead

Appearance

• Distinctive camouflage pattern: light tan or yellowish body with irregular dark blotches or “splotches” that resemble dead leaves
• Long, streamlined body

• Males are more colorful, often showing blue or greenish hues along the face and fins during breeding

Distinctive Features

• Ambush predator: Known for its unique hunting behavior—will lie motionless on its side near the substrate to lure smaller fish, then suddenly strike
• Large size and assertive nature make it a showpiece for advanced hobbyists
• Sexual dimorphism is present—males are larger and more colorful
• Mouthbrooder: females incubate fertilized eggs and fry in their mouths