Kribensis

Pelvicachromis pulcher

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 75–81°F (24–27°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Adult size: 3.9 in (10 cm)
Minimum tank: 20 gal (75 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Social
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Easy
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Common
Origin: Nigeria, Cameroon
Family: Cichlidae

Overview

Kribs are peaceful, easy dwarf cichlids that pair off and stay near the bottom around their chosen cave. A pair does fine in about 75 liters with plants and hiding spots to break up sightlines. Feed quality pellets and flake plus occasional frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp. They get territorial only while guarding a brood, so give other bottom dwellers room to avoid the nest.

In the wild

Kribensis come from slow rivers, streams, and floodplain swamps in Nigeria and Cameroon, often in soft, slightly acidic water with thick plant growth. They use the cover and the bottom for shelter and breeding. Recreate that with a planted tank, a soft substrate, and some caves or overturned pots. Water in the pH 6 to 7.5 range and temps in the mid 20s C work well.

Good to know

Pelvicachromis pulcher is a dwarf cichlid in the family Cichlidae. Males reach about 10 cm and females run a bit smaller. They are cave-spawners, with the female showing a deep pink-red belly when ready to breed. Wild populations are stable and listed as Least Concern.

Did you know

Kribs can shift the sex ratio of their fry based on water pH. More acidic water tends to produce more males and more alkaline water more females, which is an unusual trick among aquarium fish.