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Taeniatus Krib
Pelvicachromis taeniatus
📍 West Africa (Nigeria and Cameroon)
Pelvicachromis taeniatus is a stunning dwarf cichlid from West Africa, closely related to the popular Kribensis but displaying more vivid and variable coloration depending on locality. Males are slender with colorful finnage, while females exhibit a striking purple-violet belly, especially when breeding. They are a rewarding species for hobbyists interested in cichlid behavior and natural breeding.
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Care Guide
Diet
Pelvicachromis taeniatus is an omnivore that thrives on a varied diet including high-quality micro pellets, flake food, and frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Feed adults twice daily in small portions to maintain health and enhance coloration. Occasional vegetable-based foods like spirulina flakes can round out their nutritional needs.
Behavior
Taeniatus Kribs are generally peaceful but can become territorial, especially around caves and during breeding. They are active bottom and mid-level dwellers that spend much of their time exploring the substrate and investigating hiding spots. Pairs form strong bonds and will defend their territory assertively against perceived threats.
Breeding
Breeding is relatively straightforward when a compatible pair is established and soft, slightly acidic water is provided. They are cave spawners and will readily use coconut shells, clay pots, or PVC pipes as spawning sites. Both parents actively guard the eggs and fry, displaying fascinating parental behavior.
Tank Mates
Closely related species may compete for territory and caves; keep only one Pelvicachromis species per tank
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy upper water levels and generally avoid cichlid territories
Peaceful schooling tetra that coexists well with dwarf cichlids in soft acidic water
Bottom-dwelling but non-territorial; shares similar water parameter preferences
Peaceful algae eater that stays out of cichlid territories and helps keep the tank clean
Peaceful upper-level dweller that does not compete for bottom territory
Common Diseases
Ich (White Spot Disease)
Small white spots resembling salt grains on fins and body, flashing against surfaces, lethargy
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30 C, treat with ich medication containing malachite green or formalin; ensure good water quality
Hole-in-the-Head Disease (HITH)
Pitting or erosion on the head and lateral line, loss of appetite, mucus trails from lesions
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, treat with metronidazole, and ensure a varied nutritious diet
Bacterial Infection (Fin Rot)
Fraying or disintegrating fins, reddened fin edges, lethargy, loss of appetite
Improve water conditions, perform water changes, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotics such as kanamycin or erythromycin
Bloat / Internal Parasites
Swollen abdomen, pinecone-like raised scales (dropsy), loss of appetite, abnormal feces
Treat with metronidazole for internal parasites; for dropsy, use Epsom salt baths and antibiotics; isolate affected fish promptly
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – accepts high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen/live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms
- lifespan
- 4-6 years
- max size
- 9 cm (3.5 in)
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- semi-aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 5.5-7.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 2-10 dGH
- temperature
- 75–81°F (24–27°C)