Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Venustus Cichlid - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Venustus Cichlid at a glance
Adult size: 10 inches · Min tank/pond: 125 gallons · Difficulty: intermediate · Diet: carnivore · Lifespan: 10-15 years.
Venustus Cichlid (Nimbochromis venustus) is a popular freshwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Suitable for keepers with 6-12 months of stable-tank experience.
Where Venustus Cichlid comes from
Venustus Cichlid (Nimbochromis venustus) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. Captive-bred specimens at most LFS come from generations of farmed stock and are generally hardier and more colorful than wild-caught equivalents.
Venustus Cichlid tank size and setup
Venustus Cichlid requires a minimum of 125 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 10 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
Water parameters for Venustus Cichlid
Venustus Cichlid prefers freshwater parameters: temperature 74-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH, KH 3-8 dKH, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 20 ppm. Use dechlorinator on every water change.
What Venustus Cichlid eats
Venustus Cichlid is a carnivore. Provide frozen mysis, brine, finely chopped seafood, and quality carnivore pellets. Live food triggers feeding response in stressed arrivals. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.
Venustus Cichlid tankmates and compatibility
Venustus Cichlid works in community tanks with peaceful species in similar size class. Avoid mixing aggressive with passive species.
Venustus Cichlid adult size and lifespan
Venustus Cichlid reaches 10 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 10-15 years with proper care.
Can you breed Venustus Cichlid?
Venustus Cichlid can be bred in dedicated breeding tanks with appropriate setup and water-chemistry triggers. Research the species-specific breeding requirements before attempting.
Common Venustus Cichlid diseases and problems
Venustus Cichlid is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Venustus Cichlid for 4 weeks before adding to display.
Where to buy Venustus Cichlid online
Venustus Cichlid is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Venustus Cichlid from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.
Related freshwater species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Venustus Cichlid taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.