Ocellated kribensis

Care at a glance

Overview

A pair does well in a tank of about 80 liters with soft, slightly acidic to neutral water at 24 to 27 C, pH 5.5 to 7.5. Provide caves such as flowerpots or coconut shells plus plants and driftwood for cover. It is peaceful with other fish but guards its cave closely when spawning. Feed small frozen and dry foods including brine shrimp, bloodworm and fine pellets.

In the wild

The ocellated krib is a dwarf cichlid from soft coastal waters between Gabon and the Congo. It lives near the bottom among roots and leaf litter, sometimes where fresh water meets a little salt. Females show a striking dark belly and cherry red flush when breeding.

Good to know

Pelvicachromis subocellatus is a cave spawner in which the female is the more colorful sex, especially when courting. A pair lays eggs inside a small cave and both parents guard the fry. It is a close relative of the common kribensis but stays scarcer in the hobby.

Did you know

When she is ready to breed, the female puts on the brighter show, curling to flash a deep purple black belly at the male.

Related species

• 

  Striped kribensis

  Pelvicachromis taeniatus

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

• 

  Giant kribensis

  Pelvicachromis sacrimontis

  3.9 in (10 cm)29 gal (110 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)

• 

  Kribensis

  Pelvicachromis pulcher

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

• 

  Honduran red point cichlid

  Amatitlania siquia

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

• 

  Agassiz's dwarf cichlid

  Apistogramma agassizii

  3.5 in (9 cm)20 gal (75 L)72–84°F (22–29°C)