Furry Diary

Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Livingstoni Cichlid

Nimbochromis livingstonii (Günther, 1894)

Also called Livingston's Cichlid, Kalingono, Sleeper

SpeciesShort profile

From Lake Malawi, the upper Shire River and Lake Malombe in East Africa, usually in vegetated bays and sandy or muddy inshore areas.12

A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.

At a glance the quick version

Length20 to 25 cm132
Sizelarge
Remarkable 'playing dead' hunting trick
Unique patchwork pattern
Peaceful with larger tankmates
132

Looks how to spot one

Large, mottled haplochromine

A big cichlid with a cloudy brown and white patchwork and dark bars fanning out from the eye.12

Coloursmottled brown and whiteblue dorsal fin with orange-red edgingorange-red anal finbreeding males turn dark blue2

Personality what they are like

Quiet and solitary by nature, spending a lot of time lying still; it gets along with fish too large to be prey.13

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low-key most of the day, with short fast lunges at feeding time; give it open space and sand to rest on.32

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Soft sand, open swimming room and good filtration; regular water changes keep a large predator thriving.3

Home where they are happiest

At least 120 x 45 cm base (about 205 litres), 24 to 28 C, pH about 7.6 to 8.8 and 10 to 25 dGH.31

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Fish-eater in the wild; in captivity feed meaty seafood such as prawns, lancefish and whitebait, not mammal meat.312

Company who they like around

Kept singly or as one male with three to six females; good companions are large Rift Lake cichlids such as Frontosa.3

The story where it all began

Albert Günther described the species in 1894 from fish gathered on expeditions linked to David Livingstone, whose name it carries. It has long been a favourite of Malawi hap keepers for its pattern and behaviour.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It lies on its side on the lake floor like a dead fish, then lunges at small fish that come to inspect it.2

  2. 2

    Its Chichewa name kalingono is said to mean 'sleeper'.2

  3. 3

    The genus name means 'clouded chromis', a nod to its blotchy pattern.2

  4. 4

    Four dark bars radiate from each eye, framing its face.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Least Concern (assessed 20 June 2018)1
Taxonomy
Described by Günther in 1894; named after explorer David Livingstone1

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Livingstoni Cichlid. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

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Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Livingstoni Cichlid?

Feed your Livingstoni Cichlid small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests this routine. Use meaty seafood like prawns and lancefish.312 Furry Diary plan

What does a Livingstoni Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?

It eats meaty seafood such as prawns, lancefish and whitebait. Never give it mammal meat, which can harm its health.312

How much space does a Livingstoni Cichlid need?

Your fish needs a tank with a base of at least 120 x 45 cm, which is about 205 litres. This gives it the open space and sand it loves.31

What temperature, light or water does a Livingstoni Cichlid need?

Keep the water temperature between 24 and 28 C, with a pH of 7.6 to 8.8 and hardness of 10 to 25 dGH. These conditions help it thrive.31

How often should I clean a Livingstoni Cichlid's home?

Clean its home weekly with a 25% water change, test the water, and clean the glass. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water.3 Furry Diary plan

Can a Livingstoni Cichlid live with others?

It can live with fish too large to be prey. Best kept alone or as one male with three to six females, or with large Rift Lake cichlids like Frontosa.3

How long does a Livingstoni Cichlid live?

Lifespan varies depending on care; ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for more specific information.

Can I handle a Livingstoni Cichlid?

Handling is not recommended for fish; if you need to move it, consult a vet or experienced keeper for safe methods.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

  1. FishBase species summary: Nimbochromis livingstonii fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, diet, IUCN status, taxonomy
  2. Wikipedia: Nimbochromis livingstonii en.wikipedia.orgused for common names, colours, history, fun facts (secondary)
  3. Seriously Fish: Nimbochromis livingstonii seriouslyfish.comused for aquarium care, tank size, behaviour, diet, colours, breeding
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.