Yellow kribensis

Care at a glance

Overview

The yellow kribensis is a colorful dwarf cichlid that patrols the lower and middle levels of the tank. It is easy to keep.

Caring for the yellow kribensis

Keep yellow kribensis as a bonded pair, or grow on a small group of youngsters so that a pair can form. A pair is comfortable in at least 30 gal (115 L), with a sand or fine gravel floor, driftwood, leaf litter and plants. Add several cave sites such as clay pots or coconut shells, plus shaded retreats. Subdued lighting and cover help this shy fish feel secure and show its best color.

Keep the water soft to moderately soft, at 75 to 81°F (24 to 27°C). A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.5 suits it. It takes a varied diet. Offer frozen and live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia, alongside a quality sinking dried food.

The yellow kribensis is generally mild and mixes well with peaceful midwater community fish. A breeding pair turns territorial and will defend the area around its chosen cave.

The female is often the showier of the pair. She flushes a bright cherry to purple belly to court the male when she is ready to spawn.

It is a cave spawner. A pair chooses an enclosed site such as a pot or hollow and lays its eggs on the roof or wall inside. Both parents tend the eggs and guard the fry once they emerge. Breeding it is hard, since it is less forgiving than the common krib and pairs can take patience to spawn and hold together.

Good to know

Wallaceochromis humilis, also known as Pelvicachromis humilis, is a member of the cichlid family, Cichlidae.

In the wild

The yellow kribensis comes from the coastal rivers and forest streams of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea in West Africa. These are warm, soft, gently flowing waters, quite different from the hard Rift Lake habitats.

Common questions

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