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| Pelvicachromis pulcher (Kribensis or Rainbow Krib) |
| Family: |
Cichlidae |
| Maximum Size: |
4.0" (10.0cm) |
| Distribution: |
West Africa: Southern Nigeria and Coastal regions of Cameroon |
| Temperature Range: |
72-79oF (22-26oC) |
| pH Range: |
5.0 to 8.0 |
| Water Hardness: |
5.0 to 19.0 dH |
 This species of dwarf cichlid is quite easy to care for. P. pulcher will tolerate a range of water conditions well. This is because is originates from the Niger River delta where the soft acidic waters of the Niger and its streams and tributaries meet the slightly salty, alkaline water of the Delta. It is best to try to match the water quality in your tank to the tank where the fish were raised. P. pulcher is often kept in community tanks, but while these are relatively peaceful cichlids, care one should exercise caution when choosing tankmates. Docile, slow-moving fish, like angels, will likely have their fins continually nipped by P. pulcher. This species and omnivorous, so feeding them is relatively easy. They greedily accept most prepared foods, but be sure to provide them with plenty of vegetable matter as well as frozen or live brine shrimp or worms. To get a pair into breeding condition, feed them a higher proportion of live foods. This species breeds in caves, and one of the most interesting things about this species is watching them carefully prepare the spawning site. Females are distinguished during the spawning season by their bright red bellies. P. pulcher likes to dig, so it should be provided with several inches of sand or very fine, dark gravel. |
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