Nanochromis transvestitus is a rarer West African dwarf cichlid related to the popular Kribensis (genus Pelvicachromis). Like them, the females of this species are actually the more colourful sex, although males are still aesthetically pleasing in their own right. With males reaching only about 2.75 and females barely exceeding 2, they are a true dwarf cichlid and do not need a large tank to be comfortable. Nanochromis are very much a bottom-dwelling cichlid and rarely venture more than a couple inches above the substrate. This makes them a good choice for a bottom-dwelling community fish if you want something other than a catfish or a loach. While these fish can thrive in tap water just fine, they are very unlikely to breed unless the pH is around 6 or lower; this can actually be advantageous in a community setting, as if they are not trying to spawn these fish are especially mild-mannered.

These are subadults around 2 long. Sexes cannot be guaranteed but we can make a very good guess at this size.