Kribensis Breeding Pair

Kribensis come from the African waters of southern Nigeria at the mouth of the Ethiop River and in the coastal areas of Cameroon. They prefer shallow water with thick vegetation but are tolerant of many different levels of hardness.

Even if you are not planning to spawn your kribensis, provide them with one or two caves. Rock formations or flowerpots are the most commonly used materials. To create a rock cave, select rocks that fit well together and glue them in place with silica gel or approved aquarium glue. This creates a solid structure that will not collapse on the fish. The cave need not be large, but it should have only one entrance that allows minimal light in.

Substrate is also an important factor in creating a comfortable habitat for Kribensis. They favour fine darker gravel, which they will quickly rearrange to suit their tastes. The tank itself should be well planted with real or artificial plants. While they are generally not destructive to the vegetation, the Kribensis does like to burrow and they may uproot plants.

In addition to caves and plants to provide cover, offer an area for open swimming. Like other cichlids, Kribensis are fast swimmers who can change direction in an instant and stop on a dime. They are territorial and if cramped may become aggressive, so avoid overstocking the tank.

Feeding Kribensis is easy. They are omnivorous and will accept flake or pellet foods, frozen brine shrimp, freshly hatched brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms and even vegetables such as zucchini. To maintain their good health, feed them a variety of foods. Keep in mind that by nature they are bottom dwellers, so provide some foods that will sink, such as sinking pellets. When conditioning fish prior to breeding, provide plenty of live foods.

Females have shorter rounded fins and a broad yellow band across the top of the dorsal fin, are smaller than the males and have a more rounded belly that is bright red/purple when they are ready to spawn. Males are longer and thinner with fins that end in distinct points. They are less brilliantly coloured than the females, especially the belly.

• Species – Pelvicachromis pulcher
• Common Name – Kribenis
• Origin – African waters of southern Nigeria at the mouth of the Ethiop River and in the coastal areas of Cameroon.
• Diet – Omnivorous
• PH Range – 6.5 – 7.5
• Temperature – Tropical 25°c – 30°c
• Breed Type – egg layer
• Current Size – approximately 3cm (Grows to approximately 10cm Male, 7cm Female)
• Sex – Male = Female