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FishmediumFreshwater

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.

Size3.5"
Min Tank20g
semi-aggressive
Zonebottom

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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.

Common Diseases

Ich (White Spot Disease)

Symptoms

Small white spots resembling salt grains on fins and body, flashing against surfaces, lethargy

Treatment

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)

Symptoms

Pitting or erosion on the head and lateral line, loss of appetite, mucus trails from lesions

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent water changes, treat with metronidazole, and ensure a varied nutritious diet

Bacterial Infection (Fin Rot)

Symptoms

Fraying or disintegrating fins, reddened fin edges, lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Improve water conditions, perform water changes, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotics such as kanamycin or erythromycin

Bloat / Internal Parasites

Symptoms

Swollen abdomen, pinecone-like raised scales (dropsy), loss of appetite, abnormal feces

Treatment

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)

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists