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.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
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.
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.
