Kribensis (Purple Cichlid) (Pelvicachromis pulcher)

Did you know the kribensis, a vibrant dwarf cichlid, can spawn every three weeks? This fact has made the purple cichlid a top choice for freshwater aquarium fish fans. I find these colorful fish fascinating, and their breeding habits are just the start of their charm.

The kribensis, known as Pelvicachromis pulcher, comes from West Africa’s rivers. These small fish are a sight to see, with males having olive colors and females showing off reds and purples. They’re small, about 3-4 inches long, but they stand out in any tank.

What makes the kribensis special is how adaptable they are. They do well in tanks as small as 15 gallons, making them great for both new and seasoned fish keepers. They’re peaceful, so they can live with many other fish, like barbs or tetras. It’s no surprise these dwarf cichlids are popular in the aquarium trade, with many bred in the U.S.

Key Takeaways

Kribensis can breed every three weeks, producing up to 300 eggs
They are small but colorful, reaching 3-4 inches in length
Suitable for 15-gallon tanks, making them ideal for various setups
Peaceful nature allows compatibility with many other fish species
Easy to care for, making them great for beginners and experts alike

Introduction to Kribensis (Purple Cichlid)

I’m thrilled to share my knowledge about the Kribensis, a vibrant african cichlid. It’s a favorite among aquarium fans, with 19K views on this topic. These fish have stolen the hearts of many.

Scientific Classification

The Kribensis is scientifically known as Pelvicachromis pulcher. It’s part of the Cichlidae family. This fish is loved for its bright colors and unique behavior.

Common Names and Variants

Kribensis are known by many names, like purple cichlid and rainbow krib. There are many colors, including yellow, red, green, blue, and albino. The “Nigeria yellow” and “Nigeria red” types are especially popular.

Physical Characteristics

Kribensis are small but stand out with their colors. Males are 4-5 inches long, and females are about 3 inches. They have a black stripe and white area above it, with a dark stripe on their back.

Their fins are orange and yellow, with red or yellow gill covers. When breeding, females show off a bright red or purple belly. This makes them a sight to see in any aquarium.

Males: Larger with pointed fins
Females: Shorter rounded fins, vibrant belly during spawning
Both: Colorful fins and distinctive body stripes

Natural Habitat and Distribution

I love learning about where freshwater aquarium fish come from. The Kribensis (Purple Cichlid) is a beautiful example. It comes from the rivers and streams of West Africa, in Nigeria and Cameroon. As someone who enjoys setting up lake malawi biotopes, I find the Kribensis’ home very interesting.

West African Origins

The Kribensis, known scientifically as Pelvicachromis pulcher, calls the Ethiope River in the Niger Delta its home. These fish live in soft, acidic blackwater streams and slightly brackish delta waters. Their ability to adapt makes them a favorite among aquarium hobbyists.

Preferred Water Conditions

In the wild, Kribensis enjoy warm waters between 75-81°F (24-27°C). They can live in a wide pH range of 5.0-7.5 and water hardness from 0-12°H. This flexibility helps them survive in different environments, making them strong aquarium fish.

Conservation Status

Great news for Kribensis fans! The IUCN Red List says they are Least Concern. Even though some of their homes need better care, Kribensis can handle a lot of pollution and low oxygen levels. This makes their population stable in the wild.

Learning about the Kribensis’ natural home helps us create the best aquariums for them. By copying their natural conditions, we can make sure our African cichlids are happy and healthy. They will show off their bright colors and interesting behaviors.

Kribensis (Purple Cichlid) in the Aquarium Hobby

Kribensis cichlids have been a favorite among freshwater aquarium fans since the 1960s. These dwarf cichlids bring joy to community tanks with their bright colors and calm nature. They are a standout among other fish.

These fish are great for peaceful community tanks, needing at least 20 gallons of space. They like temperatures between 75-80°F and a pH of 5.0-7.5. They can even handle slightly brackish conditions, which is quite adaptable.

Kribensis are known for their unique breeding habits. They form loving pairs and take great care of their young. In a large community tank, a pair can successfully raise a big brood. The female lays 50 to 300 eggs during spawning.

There are many color varieties of Kribensis, like super red, Nigeria yellow, and albino. Males can grow up to 4 inches, while females reach about 3 inches. With the right care, these fish can live up to five years.

Characteristic	Detail
Minimum Tank Size	20 gallons (long)
Temperature Range	75-80°F (24-26°C)
pH Range	5.0-7.5
Maximum Size	Up to 5 inches
Lifespan	Up to 5 years

Kribensis are perfect for beginners because they are easy to care for and hardy. They eat a variety of foods but are mainly herbivores. In the wild, they eat plants, so I make sure to feed them plant-based foods too.

Setting Up the Perfect Kribensis Tank

I enjoy making the perfect home for my freshwater fish, especially Kribensis cichlids. These colorful fish do well in a setup that feels like their natural home.

Tank Size and Setup

A 20-gallon long tank is the minimum for a pair of Kribensis. This size lets them have their own space and breed easily. For more pairs, go for a 50-gallon long tank or bigger.

Water Parameters

Keeping the water right is key for Kribensis happiness and health. Here’s what I aim for:

Parameter	Ideal Range
Temperature	75-80°F (24-26°C)
pH	5.0-7.5
Hardness	8-12 dGH

Decoration and Plants

I set up a West African biotope for my Kribensis. The tank has fine, dark gravel on the bottom. Live plants add beauty, provide hiding spots, and keep the water clean. I use rocks or flowerpots for caves, which are perfect for hiding and breeding.

Regular water changes and good filtration are essential for clean water. With the right setup, your Kribensis will show off their bright colors and interesting behaviors. Watching them is a real treat.

Kribensis Behavior and Temperament

Kribensis cichlids are known for being peaceful community fish. They are active and social, often swimming in pairs. These African cichlids like to dig in the substrate, showing their natural instincts.

When breeding, Kribensis pairs guard their territory fiercely. Males may fight with other males, especially in small tanks. A 20 to 30-gallon tank is perfect for these 3-4 inch fish.

Kribensis have unique courtship displays. Females show off a pink belly, while males brighten their colors. These displays are beautiful and signal the start of breeding.

“Kribensis cichlids are like little underwater dancers, their courtship rituals are a mesmerizing spectacle of color and movement.”

Even with some territorial behavior, Kribensis are generally peaceful. They get along with other non-aggressive fish of similar size. Just don’t mix them with slow-moving fish that have long fins. With the right care, these beautiful cichlids can live up to 5 years, adding life to your aquarium.

Dietary Requirements and Feeding

Kribensis cichlids are popular freshwater aquarium fish with specific dietary needs. I’ll share insights on their natural diet, captive feeding, and schedules to keep your african cichlid healthy.

Natural Diet

In the wild, kribensis cichlids eat a variety of foods. They enjoy algae, decaying plants, and small invertebrates. This varied diet helps them stay vibrant and healthy.

Recommended Foods in Captivity

For captive kribensis cichlids, I suggest a mix of foods:

Cichlid pellets
Frozen brine shrimp and bloodworms
Live daphnia and mosquito larvae
Vegetables like zucchini and peas

Feeding Schedule

Feed your kribensis cichlid small amounts 2-3 times a day. When breeding, increase the protein-rich foods to help condition the fish. Here’s a sample feeding schedule:

Time	Food Type	Amount
Morning	Cichlid pellets	Small pinch
Afternoon	Frozen bloodworms	Few pieces
Evening	Vegetable matter	Small slice

Remember, overfeeding can harm your tank’s water quality. Remove any uneaten food after a few minutes to keep your kribensis cichlid’s home clean.

Breeding Kribensis Cichlids

Breeding Kribensis cichlids is a rewarding hobby for aquarium lovers. These fish breed easily, often within the first two weeks in a new tank. A well-kept 55-gallon tank can hold a breeding pair and other fish well.

Courtship and Spawning Behavior

The courtship dance of Kribensis cichlids is amazing. The female starts by showing off her bright belly colors. Then, she lays 40-50 eggs in caves. Under the right conditions, this can go up to 300 eggs!

Egg Care and Fry Development

Kribensis cichlids are great parents. They guard their eggs together, and they hatch in 3-4 days. By day 5, the fry start moving around, watched by their parents.

Raising Kribensis Fry

Raising Kribensis fry needs careful attention. I feed them infusoria or freshly hatched brine shrimp. Keeping the water clean is key. Watching the fry grow is rewarding, knowing they’ll be ready to breed at about eight months.

“My Kribensis pair breeds at least once a month. It’s amazing to see how devoted they are to their offspring!”

Kribensis can get territorial when breeding. In community tanks, give other fish many places to hide. Or, move the breeding pair to their own tank to keep everyone safe.

Compatible Tank Mates for Kribensis

Kribensis cichlids are peaceful fish that do well in a well-planned tank. It’s important to pick the right tank mates for a peaceful environment. Let’s look at some good and bad choices.

Suitable Community Fish

For Kribensis, I like small to medium-sized peaceful fish. Here are some great picks:

Tetras (1-2 inches)
Barbs (1-2 inches)
Danios (1-2 inches)
Corydoras catfish (1-4 inches)
Dwarf gouramis (3.5-4.5 inches)

In a West African biotope, consider killifish (2-3 inches) or upside-down catfish. These fish live well with Kribensis and make your tank more interesting.

Species to Avoid

While Kribensis are peaceful, some fish don’t mix well with them:

Slow-moving fish with long fins
Aggressive cichlids
Bottom-dwelling species that may compete for territory

I’ve made a table to show compatible and incompatible species:

Compatible Species	Size (inches)	Incompatible Species	Size (inches)
Cherry Barb	1.5-2	German Ram	4
Harlequin Rasbora	1.7-2	Green Swordtail	5-6
Kuhli Loach	3-4	Siamese Algae Eater	5.5-6.5
Pepper Cory	3	Rubber Lip Pleco	3-6

A 20-gallon tank is perfect for Kribensis and their friends. By picking the right fish and keeping water conditions right, you’ll have a happy aquarium.

Conclusion

I’ve learned to love the kribensis cichlid as a unique freshwater fish. These small cichlids from West Africa add color and life to tanks. They grow up to 4 inches for males and 3 inches for females, ideal for 20-gallon tanks or bigger.

Looking after kribensis is very rewarding. They do well in water between 75-80°F with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Adding rock caves and driftwood makes their home perfect. These fish eat both plants and meat, enjoying flakes, pellets, and frozen treats like bloodworms.

Breeding kribensis is a fun challenge. Females can lay up to 200 eggs, which hatch in 2-3 days. Both parents take care of their babies, showing interesting behaviors. With the right care, including regular water changes and a balanced diet, these lovely fish can live 5-8 years, making aquarium owners very happy.

FAQ

What are the common names for Pelvicachromis pulcher?

Pelvicachromis pulcher is also known as the kribensis, purple cichlid, palette cichlid, rainbow krib, and king cichlid.

What are the ideal water parameters for keeping kribensis?

Kribensis prefer water with a temperature of 75-80°F. The pH should be between 5.0-7.5. Hardness should be 8-12 dGH.

How large do kribensis cichlids grow?

Kribensis grow to be about 3-4 inches long.

What is the natural habitat of kribensis?

Kribensis come from the Niger Delta in West Africa. They live near the mouth of the Ethiope River.

Are kribensis suitable for community tanks?

Yes, kribensis are peaceful and can live with other fish. But, they might get territorial when breeding.

What should I feed my kribensis?

Feed them flakes, pellets, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and veggies. They are omnivorous.

How do kribensis breed?

The female shows off her colorful belly to start breeding. Spawning happens in caves. Both parents take care of the eggs and fry.

What are suitable tank mates for kribensis?

Good friends for kribensis are tetras, barbs, danios, corydoras catfish, and some gouramis. Stay away from aggressive cichlids and slow-moving fish with long fins.