KRIBENSIS CICHLID

COMMON NAMES: Kribensis, purple cichlid, palette cichlid, rainbow krib, pink kribensis cichlid, king cichlid

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pelvicachromis pulcher

ADULT SIZE: 3 (female) to 4 (male) inches

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 5 years

A dwarf cichlid, the kribensis is a colorful fish that's easy to care for. Its Latin name translates to "fish with a beautiful belly." During the spawning season, the female sports a brilliant, cherry-red colored belly. Kribensis fish originate in the African waters of southern Nigeria and the coastal areas of Cameroon. 

Origin and Distribution

As is often the case with common names, debate exists over which cichlid species truly is the kribensis. Technically, kribensis refers to the species Pelvicachromis taeniatus. However, in the aquarium trade, Pelvicachromis pulcher as well as other fish in this genus are sold under the name kribensis. 

The fish originates from the drainage area at the mouth of the Ethiope River in the Niger Delta, where a variety of water conditions exist. The water of the low-lying blackwater streams is acidic and very soft, while the delta waters are slightly brackish, more alkaline, and far harder than the streams feeding into it. For this reason, kribensis is sometimes described as a brackish-water fish, but it can live in a variety of water conditions, although sudden changes in water chemistry can stress fish and contribute to disease.

Kribensis Diet and Feeding

Kribensis are omnivorous and will accept flake or pellet foods, frozen brine shrimp, freshly hatched brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, bloodworms, and even vegetables such as zucchini. To maintain their good health, feed them a variety of foods. They are bottom dwellers, so provide some foods that will sink, such as sinking pellets. When conditioning fish prior to breeding, provide plenty of live foods.

Gender Differences

Females have shorter rounded fins and a broad yellow band across the top of the dorsal fin. They are much smaller than the males and have a more rounded belly that is bright red/purple when they are ready to spawn.

Males are larger, longer, and thinner with fins that end in distinct points. They are less brilliantly colored than the females, especially on the belly. Make sure to get the same species of fish; there are several closely related kribensis cichlid species that look similar.