KeepingFishSimple | SKU: LIVE-FISH-VENUSTUS-CICHLID-1PK

Giraffe Cichlid - 3.5cm (Nimbochromis venustus) (Live Fish)

Name: Giraffe Cichlid - 3.5cm (Nimbochromis venustus) (Live Fish)
Brand: KeepingFishSimple
SKU: LIVE-FISH-VENUSTUS-CICHLID-1PK
Price: 24.95 AUD
Availability: InStock

$24.95 AUD

Tax included

Size, Colour & Sex

Appearance & Colour

Fish may vary from the images shown. Colour, patterns, markings and fin shapes can differ naturally between individuals and may change with age, sex, stress and environmental conditions.

Size

All sizes are approximate and provided as a guide. Individual fish may be slightly larger or smaller than advertised.

Sex Requests

Want a male or female? Leave a note at checkout and we'll do our best to accommodate your request. However, we cannot guarantee a particular sex due to availability and the difficulty of sexing some species.

For customers wanting to select specific fish, we recommend visiting us in-store.

For more information, please see our Store Policies.

Acclimation Guide

1. Prepare Your Aquarium

Make sure your aquarium is fully cycled, with 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite, and the temperature is suitable for your new fish.

2. Start Drip Acclimation

Place your fish and their transport water into a clean container. Using airline tubing, slowly drip water from your aquarium into the container at approximately 2–4 drops per second.

3. Slowly Add Aquarium Water

Over the next 30–60 minutes, allow the water volume to approximately double. This helps your fish gradually adjust to their new water conditions.

4. Transfer Your Fish

Gently net your fish into their new aquarium. Avoid adding transport water to your tank.

5. Give Them Time to Settle

Keep the aquarium lights off for a few hours and wait until the following day before feeding.

Important: Arrived with an issue?

If any fish arrive dead (DOA), keep the transport bag sealed and contact us within 24 hours with clear photos of the fish inside the unopened bag.

See our DOA Policy for more information.

Delivery & Shipping

Important: Live Fish Delivery

Please provide accurate contact details and ensure someone is available to receive your fish. This is essential for their safe arrival.

Shipping Costs

We offer discounted shipping on larger livestock orders, with FREE shipping on orders over $400!

Live Fish Shipping Rates

Under $150: $39.95

$150–$249.99: $29.95

$250–$349.99: $19.95

$350–$399.99: $9.95

$400+: FREE SHIPPING

Please view our shipping policy for more information.

The Venustus Cichlid is a striking freshwater fish with a golden-yellow body accented by dark blue and black markings across the head, back, and sides. Its elongated, laterally compressed body, pointed snout, and flowing dorsal and anal fins give it a bold and distinctive appearance.

Common names: Venustus Cichlid, Giraffe Cichlid, Venustus Hap
Scientific name: Nimbochromis venustus
Approximate size: 20–25 cm
Temperament: Semi-aggressive and territorial, especially among mature males
Recommended tank size: 300 L+ for an adult; larger for a group or community setup
Diet: Carnivorous; quality cichlid pellets supplemented with shrimp, krill, mysis, and other meaty foods
Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
Basic care information: A large predatory Lake Malawi hap known for its yellow-gold body, dark brown blotches, and blue facial coloration in mature males. Provide a spacious aquarium with sandy substrate, rocks, caves, and plenty of open swimming space. Maintain hard, alkaline, well-oxygenated water around 24–28°C with a pH of approximately 7.5–8.6. Keep with similarly sized Malawi Haps and other robust tankmates, avoiding small fish that may be viewed as prey. Males can become territorial, particularly when breeding. Females are maternal mouthbrooders.