TankBud

Wouri krib

Pelvicachromis drachenfelsi

Also known as Taeniatus Wouri, Drachenfels's krib

FreshwaterFish

Wouri krib (Pelvicachromis drachenfelsi)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–81°F
23–27°C
pH
5.5–7.0
Adult size
3 in
7.5 cm
Minimum tank
18 gal
70 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Cave spawner · Medium
Rarity
Rare
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Wouri basin, Cameroon

Overview

The Wouri krib is a West African dwarf cichlid that stays near the bottom, sifting sand and patrolling its patch. It suits a keeper with some experience.

Did you know

As in other kribs, the water chemistry around Wouri krib eggs skews the sex of the fry. A tank that is too hard or at the wrong pH can produce a brood that is almost all one sex.

Caring for the Wouri krib

Keep Wouri kribs as a single bonded pair. A tank of at least 18 gal (70 L) with several caves gives a pair room to breed. Set up a shaded tank with fine sand, driftwood and some hardy plants, and build the caves from rock, coconut shells or pots.

Keep the water soft and slightly acidic to neutral, at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C) and a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. Feed small sinking foods, frozen bloodworm and daphnia, and some crushed flake.

The pair holds and defends a small territory around a cave. It is mostly peaceful but guards its spawning site, so choose tank mates with a little care. Small, calm upper-water fish such as small tetras or rasboras make good dither fish. Avoid other bottom cichlids that would compete for caves.

Males are larger and more colorful than the smaller, rounder females. It is a cave spawner, and the pair lays its eggs on the roof of a cave, then both parents guard the fry. Breeding is of moderate difficulty, and balanced fry sex ratios are the main challenge. Very soft water at breeding time helps the eggs develop and gives a healthy mix of male and female fry.

Good to know

Pelvicachromis drachenfelsi is a cichlid in the family Cichlidae. It was recognized as its own species in 2014, having long been traded as the Wouri form of Pelvicachromis taeniatus.

In the wild

The Wouri krib comes from soft, warm forest streams in the Wouri drainage of Cameroon.

Common questions

What size tank does a Wouri krib need?

A Wouri krib needs at least 18 gal (70 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a Wouri krib need?

A Wouri krib is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.0.

What does a Wouri krib eat?

A Wouri krib eats small sinking foods, frozen bloodworm and daphnia, and some crushed flake.

How big does a Wouri krib get?

An adult Wouri krib reaches about 3 in (7.5 cm).

How can you tell a male Wouri krib from a female?

Males are larger and more colorful than females, which are smaller and rounder.

How does a Wouri krib breed?

A Wouri krib is a cave spawner, and the pair lays its eggs on the roof of a cave. Both parents guard the fry. Breeding is moderately difficult, and balanced fry sex ratios are the main challenge.

Related species