- Nimbochromis livingstonii
-
Nimbochromis livingstonii 
An adult male 
A juvenile Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Perciformes Family: Cichlidae Genus: Nimbochromis Species: N. livingstonii Binomial name Nimbochromis livingstonii
(Günther, 1894)[verification needed]Nimbochromis livingstonii, Livingston's Cichlid or (locally) kalingono, is a freshwater mouthbrooding cichlid fish of the genus Nimbochromis, native to Lake Malawi, an African Rift Lake. It is also found in the upper Shire River and Lake Malombe. They are found in inshore areas of the lake over sandy substrates.
Contents
Morphology
A laterally compressed fish with a large mouth. Maximum reported length of male fish in the wild is 25 cm (10 in); females are smaller. Colouration variable but typically mottled brown and white. The dorsal fin may also show blue coloration while maintaining an orange to red band and sometimes a white line. Adult males frequently "color up" in response to changing conditions and rapidly change from spotted camouflage to brilliant blues and greens and may even exhibit a pale golden tone. The anal fin is usually orange to red. Females are similar, but usually lack the yellow "egg spot" markings on the anal fin. Juveniles display a brown and white spotted pattern.
The distinctive colouration of this species is said to mimic that of a dead fish, and may be part of a hunting strategy.
Diet and feeding behaviour
Wild fish feed primarily on small fish, in particular Lethrinops spp. Aquarium specimens have been observed to lie on the substrate as if dead, waiting for small fish to come close in search of a meal. When a suitable target comes into range, the fish quickly lunges at the prey and usually swallows it whole.
Reproduction
Males are polygamous and will mate with multiple females. This species is an mouthbrooder with the female incubating up to 100 eggs until they hatch and the fry become free swimming.
Economic importance
Nimbochromis livingstonii is used locally as a food fish and is also collected and traded as an aquarium fish.
See also
This Cichlidae-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
