Pelvicachromis pulcher
The West African dwarf cichlid that built reputations, easy to breed, deeply personable, and a riot of plum, gold, and cherry colour when a pair are guarding fry. Give them at least one cave per fish plus a footprint long enough for tankmates to escape the breeding zone.
Kribensis (Pelvicachromis pulcher) reaches 7–10 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 100 L. Native to Niger Delta, Nigeria and Cameroon, it lives in the bottom to mid water column with a peaceful (very territorial when breeding) temperament. Aim for 24–27 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 5–18 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 5–8 years with good care. Keep kribensis in groups of 2+, no (bonded pair) schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore, Sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, blanched veg. Will sift sand. Plant-safe: Mostly (may uproot stems near a chosen cave). Shrimp-safe: No.
Care at a glance
The West African dwarf cichlid that built reputations, easy to breed, deeply personable, and a riot of plum, gold, and cherry colour when a pair are guarding fry. Give them at least one cave per fish plus a footprint long enough for tankmates to escape the breeding zone.
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Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
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The parameters that decide whether kribensis fits in your tank.
Bottom to Mid
No
Keep as a bonded pair
Cichlidae
Omnivore
Sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, blanched veg. Will sift sand.
5–8 yrs
Easy
Niger Delta, Nigeria and Cameroon
Niger Delta, Nigeria and Cameroon
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
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Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Kribensis (Pelvicachromis pulcher) needs a minimum tank of 100 L. They live in the bottom to mid water column and should be kept in groups of 2+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 24–27 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 5–18 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: No. Plant safety: Mostly (may uproot stems near a chosen cave).
Kribensis are omnivore. Sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, blanched veg. Will sift sand.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled. Breeding difficulty: easy.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 5–8 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
