Actinopteri (ray-finned fishes) > Cichliformes (Cichlids, convict blennies) > Cichlidae (Cichlids) > Pseudocrenilabrinae
Etymology: Nimbochromis: Latin, nimbus = stormy, rainy + Greek, chromis, a fish, perhaps a perch; it has dark clouded melanic blotches on the body (Ref. 45335);  venustus: From the Latin "venustus" = beautiful, graceful, elegant (Ref. 55922)  More on author: Boulenger.

Freshwater; demersal; pH range: 7.2 - 8.8; dH range: 10 - 18; non-migratory; depth range 6 - 23 m (Ref. 55922), usually - m (Ref. ).   Tropical; 25°C - 27°C (Ref. 13371); 9°S - 15°S

Africa: endemic to Lake Malawi where it is widely distributed.

Maturity: L_m ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 25.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 13371); common length : 22.5 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 4989)

Dorsal spines (total): 16 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10. Diagnosis: presence of a lozenged melanin pattern; no spots on pectoral fins; no radiating melanin pattern on the head; no highly contrasting, anastomosing horizontal and vertical melanin components on the body; body depth 38.1-40.9% of standard length; head length 32.0-33.8% of standard length; length of lower jaw 36.3-40.8% head length; dorsal fin base 53.3-57.7% of standard length (Ref. 55922).

Found over sandy substrates (Ref. 5595, 55922). Juveniles may be found in shallow water near rocks while adults forage in deeper regions with sandy substrate (Ref. 5595). Feeds on small fish (Ref. 5595, 55922) and invertebrates (Ref. 55922). Half-grown individuals have been observed to remain motionless, partially buried in the sand, waiting for small fishes to come within reach (Ref. 55922).

Female takes brood into her mouth and takes care of the young.