Species Profile

Kribensis

Pelvicachromis pulcher

Also known as: Krib, Rainbow Krib, Purple Cichlid

Cichlidssemi-aggressive

Adult size

4″

Minimum tank

20 gal

Temperature

75–80°F

6–7.5

Schooling

Solitary OK

Water level

bottom

Grows from juvenile

Typically sold at ~1.5″ and reaches 4″ over ~9 months. Plan tank size for the adult, not the fish at purchase.

Diet

Pellets, frozen, live

Notes

West African dwarf cichlid, vivid red belly when in breeding condition. Pairs become very protective of their cave; can dominate a community tank during the spawn. Outside breeding, peaceful and easy.

Build a tank →Photo credits

Photo: Tino Strauss / Wikimedia Commons · Source · CC-BY-SA-3.0