Humphead Cichlid (Steatocranus gibbiceps)
24–27°C · pH 6–8
£19.99
Nanochromis transvestitus (Nanochromis transvestitus): A small, banded dwarf cichlid with a brownish body, dark bars along the back and barred fins; the female is the more colourful sex (hence the name), with a bright pinkish-red belly. About 5 cm adult. One unsexed fish per quantity. Keep at 24–27°C, pH 4–7.
listing-audit-2026-10-02moved-from-wrong-listing-2026-09-30needs-content-2026-09-30split-from-mixed-page-2026-10-02
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Nanochromis transvestitus
Max Adult Size
up to 5 cm
Care Level
Advanced
Temperament
Peaceful dwarf cichlid
Temperature
24–27°C
pH Range
4–7
Minimum Tank
60L
Diet
Feed small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia, Cyclops and brine shrimp, with quality micro pellets.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Water Parameters
Temperature
24–27°C
24°CIdeal27°C
pH Level
4–7
4Ideal7
Nanochromis transvestitus
Nanochromis transvestitus (Lake Mai Ndombe dwarf cichlid)
Peaceful
£20.99
1
Live arrival guaranteed. If they don’t arrive healthy, email us a short unboxing video the same day for a replacement or refund. Packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed.
£19.95 tracked delivery — half price (£9.98) from £100.00, free from £200.00. One delivery charge however many fish you add — everything travels together with a licensed live-animal courier.
Read our reviews on Google (opens Google Business Profile in a new tab) or see verified buyer reviews and photos. Human support, careful packing and clear delivery updates for live aquatics.
Nanochromis transvestitus (Nanochromis transvestitus): A small, banded dwarf cichlid with a brownish body, dark bars along the back and barred fins; the female is the more colourful sex (hence the name), with a bright pinkish-red belly. About 5 cm adult. One unsexed fish per quantity. Keep at 24–27°C, pH 4–7.
listing-audit-2026-10-02moved-from-wrong-listing-2026-09-30needs-content-2026-09-30split-from-mixed-page-2026-10-02
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Nanochromis transvestitus
Max Adult Size
up to 5 cm
Care Level
Advanced
Temperament
Peaceful dwarf cichlid
Temperature
24–27°C
pH Range
4–7
Minimum Tank
60L
Diet
Feed small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia, Cyclops and brine shrimp, with quality micro pellets.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Full Care Guide
Cichlids: Types, Care & Tank Planning
Cichlids are a family of roughly 1,800 accepted species, not one care type. Before buying, identify the exact species and source, then compare adult measurement, usable tank dimensions, social system, territory, tested water, diet and an exit plan. No family-wide minimum tank, water range or tank-mate list is safe.
14 min readRead guide
Water Parameters
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Temperature
24–27°C
24°CIdeal27°C
pH Level
4–7
4Ideal7
Nanochromis transvestitus: what you are buying
Nanochromis transvestitus (Nanochromis transvestitus) is a cichlid from Lake Mai Ndombe (formerly Lake Leopold II), Democratic Republic of the Congo. A small, banded dwarf cichlid with a brownish body, dark bars along the back and barred fins; the female is the more colourful sex (hence the name), with a bright pinkish-red belly.
This listing is Nanochromis transvestitus only; the Blue Kongo cichlid (Nanochromis parilus) is a separate listing.
One unsexed fish per quantity.
| Scientific name | Nanochromis transvestitus |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Lake Mai Ndombe (formerly Lake Leopold II), Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Adult size | About 5 cm |
| Temperature | 24–27°C |
| pH | 4–7 |
| Hardness | 0–12 dGH |
| Aquarium | About 60 litres or more |
| Sold as | One unsexed fish per quantity |
What you receive
One unsexed fish per quantity. Choose the size, then the quantity. Colour and finnage develop as the fish matures; photos show the form you buy, not the individual fish.
Aquarium and water
A soft-water dwarf cichlid: a mature aquarium of about 60 litres or more with caves, fine sand, leaf litter and gentle flow. It needs soft, acidic water. Keep 24–27°C, pH 4–7 and 0–12 dGH, with stable conditions and regular partial water changes. Add the fish only to a cycled, mature aquarium.
Feeding
Feed small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia, Cyclops and brine shrimp, with quality micro pellets.
Tank mates and behaviour
Peaceful outside breeding; keep with small, calm fish such as small tetras and pencilfish. A pair defends a cave when spawning.
Follow the arrival sequence before releasing the fish
Tropical Fish Co’s delivery and Live Arrival Guarantee policy explains the packing and arrival procedure. Livestock is hand-bagged in pure oxygen and placed in an insulated poly box, with a heat pack when the weather calls for it. Someone must be at the address to receive the parcel because live animals cannot be left unattended.
- Receive the parcel in person and start filming before opening it. Show the parcel still sealed with the outer box visible.
- Open the parcel in one continuous take. Keep filming until the fish can be seen inside the sealed bag before anything is disturbed.
- Float the bag for 20–30 minutes so the temperature equalises slowly.
- Do not pour the bag water into the aquarium. Release the fish without adding transport water to the established system.
If a Live Arrival Guarantee claim is required, contact us on the same day with the order number and the continuous unboxing video. Before the parcel arrives, confirm that ammonia and nitrite read zero and that the aquarium matches the water values on this page.
Frequently asked questions
What do I receive?
One unsexed fish per quantity. Choose the size, then the quantity.
How big does it grow?
About 5 cm as an adult.
What water does it need?
24–27°C, pH 4–7 and 0–12 dGH.
Public references
- FishBase: Nanochromis transvestitus — identity, native range and size.
- Seriously Fish: Nanochromis transvestitus — water conditions, aquarium size and behaviour.
- RSPCA aquarium environment guidance — biological filtration and the aquarium nitrogen cycle.
Customer Reviews
No reviews for this item yet. Bought one? Honest reviews only, good or bad.
What customers say about ordering from us
- 4 out of 5Verified buyer
I have a small group of long finned mountain minnows. So was delighted to be able to order ten of this variety to increase the genetics in my tank . The ones I recieved are healthy but it’s to early to give a verdict on wether they are of a long finned type since they are small currently.
Gordon Walker · 23 Sept 2026
- 5 out of 5Verified buyer
100% success travel and "installation". Pleased with quality of purchase. The Siamese fighter a bit "shy" so have not yet seen him at his best yet but looking good. Happy customer. GG
George E Garratt · 21 Sept 2026
Reviews of our shop, collected by Judge.me, an independent third-party review collector. Newest first.
