Pelvicachromis pulcher is a freshwater fish of the cichlid family, endemic to Nigeria and Cameroon. The species is popular amongst aquarium hobbyists, and is most commonly sold under the name kribensis, although the species has other common names, including various derivatives and color morphs of the kribensis: krib, common krib, red krib, super-red krib and rainbow krib, along with rainbow cichlid and purple cichlid.
Details
| Type | Ciclids |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Species | Pelvicachromis pulcher |
| Synonyms | Pelmatochromis pulcher |
| Origins | Cross and Ogun rivers; Lower Niger; and Ehoma Floodplain, Afikpo, Southern Nigeria. Also known from coastal areas of Cameroon. |
| Sexual Dimorphism | Male fish are larger with elongated dorsal & anal fins. Mature females with pronounced red/purple stomach region. |
| Length | 10 cm |
| Shoaling | No |
| Temperature | 24 - 28 deg C |
| Water parameters | pH 5.0 - 8.0, dH 1 - 20 |
Care
Kribensis, being of a fairly peaceful nature, can be kept in most community settings; however, the tank must be 3ft or longer because of this dwarf cichlids’ territorial nature when in breeding mode. Otherwise, a single pair can be kept in a species-only tank of 2ft in length, which would be a great beginner’s breeding project. The aquarium should have a dark substrate and plenty of hiding places amongst bogwood, caves and plants - this is particularly important if housing with any other cave-dwelling species – there must be more than enough caves to go round. Many geographic colour variants are available, as is an albino form.Feeding
Flake, micropellets, small slow-sinking pellets, frozen foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp, mosquito larvae etc.Breeding
Kribensis form monogamous pairs and are ‘shelter breeders’ which means that they will spawn in small caves. An upturned flowerpot (new and clean) is always well accepted as a substitute, as are coconut shell caves that are sometimes available from your local aquatics store. When ready to spawn, the female will show off her brightly coloured belly to the male, often curling her body and quivering in front of him. Once inside the cave, the female will lay between 50 and 300 eggs on the ceiling of the cave structure, which are attached by small threads. The female will look after the eggs, fanning them with her pectoral fins, whilst the male will guard the perimeter of the cave. After 2-3 days, the eggs should hatch, and after a further 4-5 days the fry will become free-swimming. The parents will take great care of the fry, herding them around the tank in a shoal. The young can be fed newly hatched brineshrimp or finely powdered fry foods, and will grow quickly.
