Polystigma (Nimbochromis polystigma): care for a Lake Malawi hunter

The Polystigma (Nimbochromis polystigma) is a large hap from Lake Malawi. Its name means "many spots": the body is covered in dark blotches, like a leopard, and the mature male turns blue. It is a cousin of the Venustus and, like it, an ambush predator. With the right tank mates it is an impressive fish.

Quick facts

Scientific name	Nimbochromis polystigma
Group	Haplochromine (not mbuna), Lake Malawi
Adult size	Up to 25 cm
Temperament	Calm with fish its size; preys on small fish
Minimum tank	400 liters, 180 cm long
Water	pH 7.8 to 8.6, hard; 24 to 27 °C
Diet	Carnivore: quality protein pellets, krill, shrimp
Breeding	Maternal mouthbrooder

How it hunts

In the lake, the Polystigma stays motionless next to a rock or on the sand, camouflaged by its spots, and strikes at small fish that come close. In the aquarium it keeps the instinct: any fish that fits in its mouth is food. It is not aggressive toward fish its own size, but the community has to be planned around that.

Male and female

Juveniles and females are silvery or golden with many brown spots. The mature male turns blue on the head and fins, and in some fish the whole body takes on a bluish tone, with the spots still visible. More in how to tell a male from a female African cichlid.

Tank and food

• Big and long: at least 400 liters and 180 cm. A 25 cm fish needs room to swim.
• Sand and open space, with a few large, well-supported rocks.
• A strong filter and 30 % weekly water changes: it eats a lot.
• Food: quality pellets for carnivorous cichlids, with krill or shrimp a couple of times a week. There is no need for live fish.

More on setup in tank size and stocking and water in Costa Rica tap water.

Tank mates

• Good: large, calm haps such as the Blue Dolphin or the adult Venustus, and large peacocks such as the Saffron.
• Avoid: small mbuna, juveniles of any species and community tropical fish.
• Only one Polystigma male per tank, with several females if you want to breed.

More combinations in compatible African cichlids.

Breeding

The female holds the eggs in her mouth for about three weeks and releases many fry. Since the male and the other fish eat them, it is best to move the female to a separate tank. More in how to breed African cichlids.

Polystigma in Costa Rica

We have a large Polystigma male for sale. The profile has real photos and the price, and you can order online or make us an offer.