Kribensis Cichlid | Well Started Juvenile & Sub Adult | Sexed and Proven Pairs | Pelvicachromis pulcher

Kribensis Cichlid | Well Started Juvenile & Sub Adult | Sexed and Proven Pairs | Pelvicachromis pulcher

Scientific Name: Pelvicachromis pulcher

Common Name: Kribensis Cichlid, Krib, Rainbow Krib

Size Offered: Well started juveniles and sub adults

Adult Size: Approximately 3 to 4 inches

Temperament: Generally peaceful to semi aggressive

Care Level: Easy to moderate

Diet: Omnivore

Recommended Temperature: 72 to 80°F

Recommended pH: Approximately 6.0 to 8.0

Minimum Aquarium: 20 gallons for a pair, with larger aquariums recommended for community setups

About the Kribensis

Kribensis are one of my favorite choices for anyone wanting the personality, behavior, and coloration of a cichlid without needing a large aquarium. Pelvicachromis pulcher is a West African dwarf cichlid that develops beautiful yellow, red, purple, and iridescent coloration as it matures. Females are especially impressive when mature, often developing a deep pink to purple belly.

The fish offered through LOMWILD are well started juveniles and sub adults, rather than tiny fry. At this stage they are established, actively feeding, and beginning to develop the body shape and coloration that make adult Kribensis so attractive.

Aquarium & Care Requirements

Kribensis are adaptable fish and are generally much easier to maintain than many other dwarf cichlids. A mature aquarium with stable water parameters is more important than trying to achieve one exact pH or hardness value.

A 20 gallon aquarium can work very well for a compatible pair. For community aquariums or when keeping additional Kribensis, more space is strongly recommended. Provide plenty of structure using plants, driftwood, rocks, caves, terracotta pots, or similar hiding places. Breaking up the fishes' lines of sight can help reduce territorial behavior.

Kribensis are excellent candidates for planted aquariums and generally leave healthy established plants alone.

Temperament

Kribensis are usually considered peaceful to semi aggressive dwarf cichlids. Juveniles can often be maintained together, but territorial behavior becomes more noticeable as they mature and begin forming pairs.

A breeding pair can become considerably more protective, especially around a cave, eggs, or free swimming fry. Tankmates should therefore have enough room to move away from the pair's territory.

Feeding

Kribensis are omnivores and should be offered a varied diet. A quality pellet or flake can form the foundation of their diet and can be supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and similar appropriately sized foods.

A varied diet helps support growth, body condition, coloration, and breeding behavior.

Breeding

Kribensis are cave spawners and are one of the more approachable cichlids for hobbyists interested in observing natural parental care.

Once a compatible male and female form a pair, they may select a cave or protected area for spawning. Both parents can participate in protecting their territory and caring for their young. Watching a pair lead a group of tiny fry around the aquarium is one of the behaviors that makes this species so rewarding to keep.

Please Note

Fish are living animals and natural differences in size, coloration, pattern, fin development, and maturity should be expected. Juvenile coloration will continue developing as the fish grows.

Unless specifically sold as a sexed fish or established pair, sex and pairing are not guaranteed.