Freshwater
Cichlid
More details
Kribensis Cichlid (Pelvicachromis pulcher)
Free
Free
Description
The Kribensis is a vibrantly colored dwarf cichlid from West Africa, well-known for its peaceful demeanor, striking hues, and strong parental care. Ideal for beginners, it thrives in planted tanks and readily breeds in captivity.
Difficulty Level
Beginner Friendly
Region
Kribensis Cichlid (Pelvicachromis pulcher)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Very hardy and forgiving of a range of water parameters. Peaceful and easy to breed, making it great for newcomers.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive-bred globally; minimal impact on wild populations. Collection is limited and mostly regulated within native ranges.
Origin
Native to freshwater streams and rivers of Nigeria and Cameroon, especially in slow-moving forested waterways with leaf litter and roots.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Males display iridescent purple and yellow with elongated fins; females are smaller with a rounded body and a vivid pink belly, especially during breeding. Both sexes are highly expressive and interactive.
Purpose
Ideal centerpiece for small community tanks. Adds color, character, and dynamic social behavior. Excellent for teaching children or beginners about fish breeding.
Importance
One of the most beginner-friendly cichlids, offering manageable size, low aggression, and interesting pair-bonding behavior. Serves as a gentle introduction to cichlid-keeping.
Included Resources
Fine sand substrate, driftwood, caves (coconut shells, pots), and plants are key. Doesn’t require CO₂ or high-tech gear. Soft to neutral water preferred.
Best Use Cases
Perfect for West African biotopes, peaceful planted communities, or breeding-focused nano setups. Can even be kept in 20-gallon tanks with appropriate décor.
Conservation Context
Not threatened. Most specimens in the trade are captive-bred. Their popularity has led to regional variants like "Albino Kribensis" and "Rainbow Kribs" that support ethical breeding.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Corydoras
• Tetras (e.g. Lemon, Glowlight, Congo)
• Small barbs (Cherry, Gold)
• Peaceful gouramis
• Livebearers and small rasboras
Region (A)
• Latitude: 6.5244° N
• Longitude: 3.3792° E
(Lagos region, Nigeria — soft forest tributaries)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 3.8480° N
• Longitude: 11.5021° E
(Southwest Cameroon — rainforest streams near Yaoundé)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Kribensis Cichlid (Pelvicachromis pulcher)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Very hardy and forgiving of a range of water parameters. Peaceful and easy to breed, making it great for newcomers.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive-bred globally; minimal impact on wild populations. Collection is limited and mostly regulated within native ranges.
Origin
Native to freshwater streams and rivers of Nigeria and Cameroon, especially in slow-moving forested waterways with leaf litter and roots.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Males display iridescent purple and yellow with elongated fins; females are smaller with a rounded body and a vivid pink belly, especially during breeding. Both sexes are highly expressive and interactive.
Purpose
Ideal centerpiece for small community tanks. Adds color, character, and dynamic social behavior. Excellent for teaching children or beginners about fish breeding.
Importance
One of the most beginner-friendly cichlids, offering manageable size, low aggression, and interesting pair-bonding behavior. Serves as a gentle introduction to cichlid-keeping.
Included Resources
Fine sand substrate, driftwood, caves (coconut shells, pots), and plants are key. Doesn’t require CO₂ or high-tech gear. Soft to neutral water preferred.
Best Use Cases
Perfect for West African biotopes, peaceful planted communities, or breeding-focused nano setups. Can even be kept in 20-gallon tanks with appropriate décor.
Conservation Context
Not threatened. Most specimens in the trade are captive-bred. Their popularity has led to regional variants like "Albino Kribensis" and "Rainbow Kribs" that support ethical breeding.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Corydoras
• Tetras (e.g. Lemon, Glowlight, Congo)
• Small barbs (Cherry, Gold)
• Peaceful gouramis
• Livebearers and small rasboras
Region (A)
• Latitude: 6.5244° N
• Longitude: 3.3792° E
(Lagos region, Nigeria — soft forest tributaries)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 3.8480° N
• Longitude: 11.5021° E
(Southwest Cameroon — rainforest streams near Yaoundé)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Kribensis Cichlid (Pelvicachromis pulcher)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Very hardy and forgiving of a range of water parameters. Peaceful and easy to breed, making it great for newcomers.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive-bred globally; minimal impact on wild populations. Collection is limited and mostly regulated within native ranges.
Origin
Native to freshwater streams and rivers of Nigeria and Cameroon, especially in slow-moving forested waterways with leaf litter and roots.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Males display iridescent purple and yellow with elongated fins; females are smaller with a rounded body and a vivid pink belly, especially during breeding. Both sexes are highly expressive and interactive.
Purpose
Ideal centerpiece for small community tanks. Adds color, character, and dynamic social behavior. Excellent for teaching children or beginners about fish breeding.
Importance
One of the most beginner-friendly cichlids, offering manageable size, low aggression, and interesting pair-bonding behavior. Serves as a gentle introduction to cichlid-keeping.
Included Resources
Fine sand substrate, driftwood, caves (coconut shells, pots), and plants are key. Doesn’t require CO₂ or high-tech gear. Soft to neutral water preferred.
Best Use Cases
Perfect for West African biotopes, peaceful planted communities, or breeding-focused nano setups. Can even be kept in 20-gallon tanks with appropriate décor.
Conservation Context
Not threatened. Most specimens in the trade are captive-bred. Their popularity has led to regional variants like "Albino Kribensis" and "Rainbow Kribs" that support ethical breeding.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Corydoras
• Tetras (e.g. Lemon, Glowlight, Congo)
• Small barbs (Cherry, Gold)
• Peaceful gouramis
• Livebearers and small rasboras
Region (A)
• Latitude: 6.5244° N
• Longitude: 3.3792° E
(Lagos region, Nigeria — soft forest tributaries)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 3.8480° N
• Longitude: 11.5021° E
(Southwest Cameroon — rainforest streams near Yaoundé)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Kribensis Cichlid (Pelvicachromis pulcher)
Region
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