Giant kribensis

Care at a glance

Overview

A pair needs a tank of at least 110 liters with soft, slightly acidic to neutral water at 24 to 27 C, pH 6.0 to 7.5. Provide caves, driftwood and planting for cover, since pairs get territorial when breeding. It is more aggressive than a standard krib, so give tankmates room to stay clear. Feed a varied diet of frozen foods, flake and small pellets.

In the wild

The giant krib is a larger, bolder relative of the common kribensis from streams east of the Niger delta in Nigeria. It lives near the bottom among plants, roots and hiding spots. Breeding females flush a deep cherry red on the belly.

Good to know

Pelvicachromis sacrimontis is a cave spawner where the female leads courtship and both parents guard the fry. It grows bigger and behaves more aggressively than the common krib, particularly the females. Wild fish appear in the trade under names tied to their red or green color forms.

Did you know

It looks like a common krib on steroids, bigger, brighter and with an attitude to match, especially the females.

Related species

• 

  Ocellated kribensis

  Pelvicachromis subocellatus

  3.9 in (10 cm)21 gal (80 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)

• 

  Striped kribensis

  Pelvicachromis taeniatus

  3.1 in (8 cm)19 gal (71 L)75–79°F (24–26°C)

• 

  Kribensis

  Pelvicachromis pulcher

  3.9 in (10 cm)20 gal (75 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)

• 

  Yellow Kribensis

  Pelvicachromis humilis

  4.9 in (12.5 cm)30 gal (115 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)
• Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid

  Crenicichla compressiceps

  3.1 in (8 cm)29 gal (110 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 

  Honduran red point cichlid

  Amatitlania siquia

  3.9 in (10 cm)30 gal (114 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)