Kribensis Cichlid

The kribensis (Pelvicachromis pulcher) is a small West African cichlid from the coastal streams and deltas of southern Nigeria and Cameroon. Both sexes are attractive, which is unusual: the male is longer with pointed fins, but the female is arguably the better fish, with a cherry-red belly that she inflates and displays when courting. A dark stripe runs the length of the body, and the fins carry gold edging and dark eyespots.

Aquarium care

• Reaches around 9 cm, small enough for a normal aquarium.
• Peaceful for a cichlid, until it spawns.
• A cave spawner. Give it a small cave, a pot on its side or a coconut shell.
• Adaptable on water chemistry.
• Wants planting and wood, with a clear patch of substrate to dig in.
• Omnivorous: sinking pellets, flake and frozen foods.

One of the easiest cichlids for a planted community tank, alongside tetras, rasboras and barbs kept in the upper half of the tank. Expect a breeding pair to claim the tank floor and see off other bottom-dwellers.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See the current dwarf cichlid list.