Kribensis

Pelvicachromis pulcher

A purple belly and dark lateral band; a cave-breeding West African cichlid.

The female is rounder and shorter-finned than the typically larger male.

Adult length: Up to 10 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 24–27 °C
Lifespan: 5–8 years
pH: 5–7.5
Hardness: 0–12 dGH

Natural habitat: Native to waters of eastern Benin, southern Nigeria and western Cameroon, with field observations from Nigeria’s Sombreiro River.

Cave guarding and brood care create territorial pressure. An arbitrary male and female may not form a safe pair.

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Appearance and identification

Kribensis here means Pelvicachromis pulcher. Belly colour and fin spots vary among individuals and forms. The female's light upper dorsal edge helps tell it from the similar P. sacrimontis.

Social behaviour and territory

Watch established pairs and keep escape routes, especially during brood care.

Compatibility limits

Check territory, swimming layer and feeding of companions.

Space requirements

A 60 × 37.5 cm base for one pair with caves and cover. Other bottom dwellers or extra pairs need more space.

Aquarium environment

Plants and wood break sight lines; digging near caves may disturb shallow roots.

Diet and feeding

Use suitable complete foods with varied frozen supplements; do not rely on leftover scraps.

Sources