Kribensis Cichlid
Pelvicachromis pulcher
Also known as Krib, Rainbow Krib
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A rewarding, easygoing West African cichlid that is usually shy, until it breeds. Pairs then become fierce parents and defend their fry against everyone. Give them clay pots and caves, soft sand, and calm midwater tank mates, and you can watch real family life in your tank.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 19 US gal
- Footprint
- 24 x 15 in
- Temperature
- 75–81 °F
- pH
- 5–7.5
- Hardness
- 0–12 dGH
- Swim zone
- Bottom
- Min group
- 2 fish
- Lifespan
- About 5 years
Kribensis Cichlid care mistakes to avoid
The mistakes beginners most often make with this species.
- Plan for a pair, and read up on sexing before you buy so you do not end up with two rival males.
- Expect aggression when they breed. Pairs defend their fry against every other fish.
- Provide caves or clay pots, because each pair needs its own space.
- Keep larger fish out, since this shy fish hides from very vigorous tank mates.
- Check your tank before you buy. Our sourced minimum is 19 US gallons.
Kribensis Cichlid tank mates and swim zone
Bottom
Spends most of its time in this part of the tank.
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Trigonostigma espei
Puntius titteya
Paracheirodon innesi
Their temperature ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Danio rerio
Their temperature ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Barbodes semifasciolatus
Their temperature ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Betta splendens
Betta often does best alone. Only try this in a larger, planted tank, and watch closely.
Hyphessobrycon amandae
A larger, territorial cichlid that can eat fish as small as an ember.
Boraras brigittae
Kribensis Cichlid is big enough to eat or bully a fish as small as Chili Rasbora.
Danio margaritatus
Kribensis Cichlid is big enough to eat or bully a fish as small as Celestial Pearl Danio.
Tanichthys albonubes
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Kribensis Cichlid feeding and care
How to feed
- Feed a good sinking cichlid pellet as a staple.
- Add frozen foods and some vegetable matter, which supports its health.
- Feed small portions you can see finished within a couple of minutes, because overfeeding fouls the water fast.
Telling males from females
Males are larger with pointed fins. Females are smaller and develop a deep red belly when in condition.
Plants that suit it
Species facts
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Native to
- Southern Nigeria and Cameroon
- Adult size
- 3.9 in (10 cm)
- Temperament
- Territorial/Aggressive
- Social needs
- Harem/Pairs
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Water flow
- Gentle
- Substrate
- Fine Sand Required
- Live plants
- Mostly Safe
- Shrimp
- Will Eat Shrimp
- Fin nipping
- Low
- Vulnerable to nippers
- No
- Breeding
- Moderate
Kribensis Cichlid FAQ
What size tank do Kribensis Cichlids need?
Our sourced minimum is 19 US gallons (71 liters), with a footprint of 60 x 38 cm. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Kribensis Cichlids should I keep?
A pair works well. Add more only if the tank is large enough for each fish to claim its own space.
What can live with Kribensis Cichlids?
Good matches on our list include Cardinal Tetra, Black Neon Tetra and Glowlight Tetra. Avoid Ember Tetra and Chili Rasbora.
How long do Kribensis Cichlids live?
Care guides report about 5 years. Stable water and a good diet make the biggest difference.
Will kribs eat my other fish?
Normally no, but a breeding pair will chase anything nearby and may eat very small fish. Choose midwater tank mates that stay out of their way.
Where to buy Kribensis Cichlid
We have not found a store that sells Kribensis Cichlid under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Complete the tank
A forgiving setup with room for a small community.
Tank size for this species
At least 19 US gallons (71 L), 60 x 38 cm footprint
Filter
Hang-on-back or large sponge filter
Easy to maintain and strong enough for a community without blasting the fish.
We are still choosing products for this.
Heater
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 100 W at 20 gallons, about 150 W at 29
Enough power to hold a stable temperature in most homes. Size up for a cold room.
We are still choosing products for this.
Water Conditioner
Dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test Kit
Liquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
Maker's page · Sold at The Shrimp Farm · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.