{"product_id":"kribensis-pelvicachromis-pulcher","title":"Kribensis | Pelvicachromis pulcher","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Kribensis is one of the most rewarding dwarf cichlids in the hobby — a small, hardy West African species where breeding pairs flush with cherry-red bellies and iridescent purple, gold and black. Peaceful for a cichlid and reaching only about 10 cm, \"kribs\" are colourful, characterful and a superb introduction to cichlid keeping.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eKribensis come from the coastal rivers, streams and deltas of southern Nigeria and Cameroon in West Africa, including slightly brackish lower reaches. They live among dense vegetation, roots and rocky crevices in soft to moderately hard water, using cavities and hollows as shelter and spawning sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA low-slung, elongated cichlid with a golden-olive body, a dark lateral stripe and beautiful iridescence. The standout feature is the cherry-red to purple belly, most vivid on breeding females, while males are larger with more pointed fins and often eye-spots on the dorsal and tail.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eGenerally peaceful and community-safe, but they become territorial around a chosen cave when spawning and will defend a small patch vigorously. A bonded pair in a well-decorated tank is ideal; give them space and hiding spots to keep aggression low, and avoid other bottom-dwelling cichlids competing for caves.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn easy omnivore. Feed a quality sinking cichlid pellet or flake as a staple, plus frozen and live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia, and some vegetable matter. A varied diet brings out their best colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide a tank of at least 70 litres for a pair, with a soft substrate, plenty of caves (an upturned flowerpot with a doorway is a favourite), driftwood and planting. They prefer soft to neutral, warm water but tolerate a range of stable conditions. Keep the water clean with regular changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eKribensis are cave-spawners and devoted parents. A pair cleans and defends a cave, lays eggs inside, and both parents guard and shepherd the free-swimming fry around the tank. Breeding is straightforward, making them a great first cichlid to raise; interestingly, water pH can influence the sex ratio of the fry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePelvicachromis pulcher\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKribensis (Rainbow Krib)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSouthern Nigeria and Cameroon, West Africa\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMales ~10 cm; females ~7.5 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful (territorial when breeding)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e70 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e110+ litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore (pellet, flake, frozen and live foods)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–27 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.0–8.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5–19 dGH (soft to moderately hard)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommunity and planted aquariums; first-time cichlid keepers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes (may dig a little around caves)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeaceful mid- and upper-level community fish such as tetras, rasboras, barbs, rainbowfish, danios and larger livebearers, plus Bristlenose catfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOther bottom-dwelling or cave-spawning cichlids competing for territory, aggressive large cichlids, and very timid fish that will be bullied near the nest during breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232783352099,"sku":"AA2049","price":18.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232783384867,"sku":null,"price":23.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Rainbow_Kribensis_f8fe11aa-f270-4da3-adfe-009f7fd6875d.jpg?v=1781446586","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/kribensis-pelvicachromis-pulcher","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}