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.

Common questions

Related species

• 

  Ocellated kribensis

  Pelvicachromis subocellatus

  3.9 in (10 cm) · 21 gal (80 L)

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

• 

  Roloff's krib

  Pelvicachromis roloffi

  3.1 in (8 cm) · 29 gal (110 L)

  3.1 in (8 cm)29 gal (110 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)

• 

  Striped kribensis

  Pelvicachromis taeniatus

  3.1 in (8 cm) · 19 gal (71 L)

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

• 

  Wouri krib

  Pelvicachromis drachenfelsi

  3 in (7.5 cm) · 29 gal (110 L)

  3 in (7.5 cm)29 gal (110 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)

• 

  Silvia's krib

  Pelvicachromis silviae

  2.4 in (6 cm) · 20 gal (75 L)

  2.4 in (6 cm)20 gal (75 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)

• 

  Kribensis

  Pelvicachromis pulcher

  3.9 in (10 cm) · 20 gal (75 L)

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