Cichlid-Kribensis (40-60mm)

🐟 Kribensis (Pelvicachromis pulcher)

• Common names: Kribensis, Krib, Rainbow Krib, Purple Cichlid

• Scientific name: Pelvicachromis pulcher

• Family: Cichlidae

• Origin: Rivers and streams of West Africa (especially Nigeria and Cameroon)

• Type: Freshwater, tropical dwarf cichlid

🔹 Appearance

• Compact, oval-shaped body

• Average size:

  • Males: 8–10 cm (3–4 in)

  • Females: 6–8 cm (2.5–3 in)

• Colouration:

  • Iridescent body with shades of silver, yellow, green, and violet

  • Females develop a bright red or purple belly, especially when breeding

  • Males are larger, with more extended fins and a pointed tail

  • Both sexes may show a dark horizontal stripe along the body

🔹 Temperament & Behaviour

• Generally peaceful and suitable for community tanks

• Territorial during breeding and will defend their area aggressively

• Intelligent and interactive; often recognize their keepers

• Can be kept singly, in pairs, or in small groups (if enough space and hiding spots are provided)

🔹 Tank Requirements

• Minimum tank size: 20–30 gallons (75–115 L) for a pair

• Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)

• pH: 6.0–8.0 (preferably slightly acidic to neutral)

• Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Aquascape:

  • Provide caves or flowerpots for breeding and hiding

  • Use plants, rocks, and driftwood to create territories

  • Moderate lighting and gentle water flow

🔹 Diet

• Omnivorous: eats flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods

• Enjoys brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia for conditioning before breeding

• Provide a balanced diet with some vegetable content (spirulina or blanched spinach)

🔹 Breeding

• Cave spawners: prefer to lay eggs inside caves or flowerpots

• Female initiates courtship with colour displays and body wiggling

• Egg count: ~100–300 eggs per spawn

• Parental care: Both parents guard eggs and fry — excellent and attentive breeders

• Fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flakes once free-swimming

🔹 Care Notes

• Hardy and adaptable, ideal for beginners in cichlid keeping

• Regular water changes maintain colour and health

• Avoid housing with very aggressive or large fish

• Lifespan: up to 5–8 years in good conditions

✨ Key Features

• Small, colourful, and hardy dwarf cichlid

• Easy to breed with strong parental care

• Peaceful except during spawning

• Bright red-bellied female is especially attractive