Giant kribensis

Care at a glance

Overview

The giant kribensis is a bottom-dwelling cichlid from West Africa for a planted tank with caves. Keeping it well takes a little experience.

Caring for the giant kribensis

Give a pair of giant kribensis at least 29 gal (110 L). Provide caves, driftwood and planting for cover, since pairs get territorial when breeding. The fish are aggressive, so give tank mates room to stay clear.

Keep the water soft and slightly acidic to neutral, at 75 to 81°F (24 to 27°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Feed a varied diet of frozen foods, flake and small pellets.

Breeding females flush a deep cherry red on the belly. The giant kribensis is a cave spawner, and the female leads courtship. Both parents guard the fry, and breeding is easy.

Good to know

The giant kribensis, Pelvicachromis sacrimontis, is a cichlid and a relative of the common kribensis. Wild fish appear in the trade under names tied to their red or green color forms.

In the wild

The giant kribensis comes from slow streams and rivers east of the Niger delta in Nigeria. It lives near the bottom among plants, roots and hiding spots.

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) · 18 gal (70 L)

  3 in (7.5 cm)18 gal (70 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)