Signatus wallaceochromis
Wallaceochromis signatus
Also known as Pelvicachromis signatus, Bandi krib
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 73–81°F
- 23–27°C
- pH
- 5.5–7.0
- Adult size
- 3.7 in
- 9.5 cm
- Minimum tank
- 42 gal
- 160 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Cave spawner · Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Southern Guinea streams
Overview
The Signatus wallaceochromis is one of the larger West African kribs, for a calm, soft-water tank. It is best with a little experience.
Did you know
The Signatus wallaceochromis has been in the hobby longer than its genus has existed. For most of that time it was a Pelvicachromis, and Wallaceochromis was only erected in 2016. The new genus split these robust Guinean kribs away from Pelvicachromis.
Caring for the Signatus wallaceochromis
Keep the Signatus wallaceochromis as a single bonded pair rather than a group. A pair needs at least 42 gal (160 L), with room for gentle tank mates. Use a dark sandy floor with roots, wood and leaf litter, and give the pair caves at its own end of the tank. It spends its time near the bottom, working around roots and cover.
Run soft, acidic water at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C) and a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. Feed a varied omnivore diet of small sinking foods, frozen bloodworm and daphnia, with some plant matter.
The Signatus wallaceochromis is fairly peaceful, but pairs become territorial when spawning, so choose calm, soft-water tank mates. It is a cave spawner, and both parents share brood care. Breeding is of medium difficulty.
Good to know
The Signatus wallaceochromis is a cichlid also known as the Bandi krib and as Pelvicachromis signatus. Humilis and rubrolabiatus moved into its genus with it. The species name signatus means marked, for the distinct patterning it carries.
In the wild
The Signatus wallaceochromis lives in shaded forest streams of southern Guinea. The water there is soft, acidic and warm, and often stained with tannins.
Common questions
What size tank does a Signatus wallaceochromis need?
A Signatus wallaceochromis needs at least 42 gal (160 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a Signatus wallaceochromis need?
A Signatus wallaceochromis is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.0.
What does a Signatus wallaceochromis eat?
A Signatus wallaceochromis eats a varied omnivore diet of small sinking foods, frozen bloodworm and daphnia, and some plant matter.
How big does a Signatus wallaceochromis get?
An adult Signatus wallaceochromis reaches about 3.7 in (9.5 cm).
How does a Signatus wallaceochromis breed?
The Signatus wallaceochromis is a cave spawner, and both parents share brood care. Pairs turn territorial when spawning, and breeding is of medium difficulty.
Related species
3.1 in (8 cm)42 gal (160 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Red-lipped krib
Wallaceochromis rubrolabiatus
3.1 in (8 cm) · 42 gal (160 L)
4.9 in (12.5 cm)30 gal (115 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)Yellow kribensis
Wallaceochromis humilis
4.9 in (12.5 cm) · 30 gal (115 L)
3.7 in (9.5 cm)26 gal (100 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)Bigmouth dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma megastoma
3.7 in (9.5 cm) · 26 gal (100 L)
3.7 in (9.5 cm)53 gal (200 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Linke's mouthbrooder
Chromidotilapia linkei
3.7 in (9.5 cm) · 53 gal (200 L)
3.7 in (9.5 cm)42 gal (160 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Mungo blue benitochromis
Benitochromis finleyi
3.7 in (9.5 cm) · 42 gal (160 L)
3.7 in (9.5 cm)42 gal (160 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Nigrodorsalis benitochromis
Benitochromis nigrodorsalis
3.7 in (9.5 cm) · 42 gal (160 L)