Kribensis

Pelvicachromis pulcher

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae

📍 Southern Nigeria & Cameroon, Africa

The Kribensis is an attractive, personable West African dwarf cichlid from Nigerian coastal rivers and one of the most beginner-accessible cichlids available. Both sexes are colourful — females develop a bright cherry-red belly when in breeding condition. Pairs form strong bonds and jointly guard fry in caves, making them fascinating to observe. They are tolerant of a wide range of water conditions and generally peaceful outside of breeding territory.

Size4"

Min Tank20g

School2+

semi-aggressive

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Kribensis are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets as a staple, supplemented with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia 2-3 times weekly. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes, as overfeeding degrades water quality in smaller tanks.

Behavior

Kribensis are generally peaceful and curious fish that spend most time near the bottom and in caves, displaying fascinating pair-bonding behavior. They become noticeably territorial and aggressive during breeding season, defending caves and fry vigorously, so provide adequate hiding spaces to reduce conflict with tank mates.

Breeding

Kribensis are cave spawners that breed readily in captivity when a bonded pair is provided with suitable caves and stable water conditions. Females develop striking cherry-red bellies when gravid, and both parents guard eggs and fry intensively for 4-6 weeks; remove other fish during this period to prevent aggression.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful bottom-dweller that occupies different ecological niche; minimal competition

excellent

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Small, peaceful schooling fish that stay in mid-water; avoid during Kribensis breeding

good

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish; may be eaten if Kribensis are very hungry

good

Amano Shrimp

Generally safe but may be harassed during breeding; remove if aggression occurs

caution

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform 25% water changes daily, treat with aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich medication for 10-14 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or disintegrating fins, white or black edges on fins, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove sharp decorations, treat with antibacterial medication or salt baths if severe

Bloat (Malawi Bloat)

Symptoms

Swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, difficulty swimming, pale coloration

Treatment

Perform large water change, feed high-quality foods and avoid overfeeding, treat with antibiotics if bacterial; ensure proper diet and water parameters

Hole-in-the-Head (HITH)

Symptoms

Small holes or pits on head and lateral line, loss of appetite, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality, increase water change frequency, supplement with vitamin-enriched foods, treat with metronidazole if parasitic infection suspected