{"product_id":"venustus-aka-giraffe-cichlid-copy","title":"Venustus aka Giraffe Cichlid","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e* EXACT FISH IN PICTURES *\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5\"+ MALE VENUSTUS \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNimbochromis venustus (Giraffe Cichlid)\u003c\/strong\u003e are large, predatory African cichlids requiring at least a 100-125 gallon tank for adults, which can reach 10-12 inches. They need hard, alkaline water (pH 7.8–8.6, 78–82°F) and a soft sand substrate for their ambush hunting style. As carnivores, they require high-protein diets and should be kept with other robust Malawi cichlids. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Care Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTank Size: Minimum 100+ gallons for adults, with ample open swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater Parameters: Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 7.8–8.6, and hard water (10-15 dGH).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubstrate \u0026amp; Decor: Fine sand is necessary for their natural behavior of burying themselves to ambush prey. Provide rocky caves, but keep plenty of open swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiet: They are carnivores. Feed high-quality pellets, frozen foods like brine shrimp, and krill. Avoid live feeder fish to prevent disease.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates: Moderately aggressive. Best kept with other Malawi haps and peacocks of similar size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintenance: High, as they produce significant waste. Requires 20-30% weekly water changes and strong filtration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding: They are polygamous, maternal mouthbrooders, with females carrying eggs for about 3 weeks. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e* Pictures are examples of previous purchases *\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"J\u0026J Cichlid Addiction","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52503575855385,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0893\/8792\/5785\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_c42791cd-712c-4674-a3f5-bbe445c06516.jpg?v=1781117347","url":"https:\/\/jnjcichlidaddiction.com\/products\/venustus-aka-giraffe-cichlid-copy","provider":"J\u0026J Cichlid Addiction","version":"1.0","type":"link"}