Best Tank Mates for the Kribensis cichlid would be: harlequin rasboras, corydoras catfish, plecostomus catfish, Siamese algae eaters, and other dwarf cichlids. The Kribensis Cichlid (Pelvicachromis pulcher) is a freshwater fish of the cichlid family native to Nigeria and Cameroon. Kribensis is often kept in a community tank, however care should be taken in choosing tank-mates. Use our fish community creator tool to plan your tank set up and ensure that the Kribensis is the right … Before you start yellin at me to get a bigger tank, let me explain the situation. They prefer shallow water with thick vegetation but are tolerant of many different levels of water hardness. favourite this post Jan 3 I need a host in Howell! A breeding pair should have the tank to themselves, as they become very aggressive while spawning and caring for the young. Stable rock formations or flowerpots are the most commonly used materials. Pelvicachromis pulcher (African) At three to four inches when fully grown, this fish is also … Otherwise, a single pair can be kept in a species-only tank of 2ft in length, which would be a great beginner’s breeding project. They are a shy, docile species that should not be housed with larger or more active tank mates. Pelvicachromis pulcher is a very common aquarium fish and can be found in the tanks of many if not most pet stores. Even if you are not planning to spawn them, provide each fish with one or two caves. Good kribensis tank mates include any fish of a similar size, especially if they live on different water layers in a fish tank. 10. Kribensis is an undemanding fish when it comes to water conditions, which is another reason for its popularity. Males are larger, longer, and thinner with fins that end in distinct points. You might even end up with some fry! kribensis-community-aquarium Kribensis in the community aquarium. The pair should now be watched carefully as some females can turn on their partners at this point. They favor fine, dark-colored gravel, which they will quickly rearrange to suit their needs. Avoid keeping them … The females can sometimes be the more aggressive except when the male is guarding the nest. Corydoras Catfish. The first sign that a spawn is likely is an intensifying in the colour of both fish, but especially the female. Kribensis, being of a fairly peaceful nature, can be kept in most community settings; however, the tank must be 3ft or longer because of this dwarf cichlids’ territorial nature when in breeding mode. Kribensis cichlids can be kept and even bred in a community aquarium, a species aquarium or even in a West African biotope aquarium. They may then disappear for several days. Males will invariably fight, and even two females will quarrel for the attention of the male. Although Kribensis Cichlids are highly recommended for community tanks, like all cichlids they can become extremely territorial during breeding. Plants are not essential but the fish will appreciate the additional cover. The juveniles look … As mentioned earlier, kribensis cichlids can be kept in some types of community aquariums. They have an elongated shape and are black in color with a yellow stripe and red belly. Once a pair has been established, do not introduce another fish into the tank. Finally, an exception to the rule #3, the female is smaller than the male, more colorful than the male and the female beats up the male! Kribensis Tropical Fish Learn all about the Kribensis's feeding habits and food types, its behaviour, its origins, its natural habitats, is it male or female, breeding advice and information, suitable tank mates, its sizing and growth range, minimum tank size, water PH and more. I have 2 male and 2 female kribensis in a 80 gallon community tank. However, in some cases one parent will take over care of the young and not allow the other parent near, even going so far as to attack the non-custodial parent. 2.5-4 cm juveniles are for sale, $5 per fish Photo 1 shows the female in front and the male behind her. These areas are usually heavily vegetated and the fish can be found living in shallow water. Colour and … Kribensis cichlids can be kept and even bred in a community aquarium, a species aquarium or even in a West African biotope aquarium. This is one of the smaller African Cichlids, and is often referred to as a dwarf Cichlid. Technically, kribensis refers to the species Pelvicachromis taeniatus. The tank should contain plenty of hiding places and potential spawning sites. But, the size of their tank could have an effect on their stress levels and happiness. Pelvicachromis pulcher is a very common aquarium fish and can be found in the tanks of many if not most pet stores. However, they may nip fins on slow-moving fish such as angels. These fish will fit right in, although you might want to provide them with a partner. We recommend an aquarium that can hold 20 to 30 gallons. Now we’re proud to … You must consider all factors when picking angelfish tank mates, including: Minimum Tank Size: Thirty gallons is the minimum, but I like to see adult angelfish in 55-gallon tanks or larger. Under most circumstances, kribensis will make a good addition to a community aquarium of hardy fish. I have this pair of Kribensis in my community tank with Bristlenose catfish, Zebra Danio, Leopard Danio, Serpae Tetra and Harlequin Rasbora. They are pair bonding cichlids from Africa. In two to four weeks, the fry will reach approximately a half-inch in size and should be separated from the parents. Cory Catfish. Apr 26, 2012. However, you can select your own pair, as they are pretty easy to mate. Females have shorter rounded fins and a broad yellow band across the top of the dorsal fin. Fish like Blue acara or Jewel cichlids are likely to pick a fight with a Krib and should be avoided. Kribensis are beautiful fish and are very easy to keep and breed. Generally, the female will initiate breeding by showing off her brightly colored abdomen. Stray fry are either rounded up or taken into the mouth of one of the parents and spat back into the main group. Plant pots turned on their side or caves added to the tank will definitely induce the fish to pair up, these will provide spawning sites in the future. Kribensis fish originate in the African waters of southern Nigeria and the coastal areas of Cameroon. Their common name, Kribensis ( or Kribs for short) is derived from their former scientific name Pelmatochromis kribensis. Avoid keeping them with another cave-dwelling species, as kribensis are territorial about caves. Kribensis spawn in typical cave spawner fashion. Condition the adults on a good diet of live, frozen and dried foods and spawning should occur in most circumstances. They can also be housed with barbs, danios, … They also tend to be less aggressive when breeding. Ensure that the edges of the opening are smooth. Dwarf Cichlids are bottom dwellers, Harlequin's are mid table and the Bristlenose shouldn't be in there, the tank is too small. Larger diameter substrate will hamper the pair from burrowing and also put the tiny fry at risk of dropping through spaces in the gravel and subsequently perishing. That smaller size will require less room and allow you to keep more fish. The cave need not be large, but it must be structurally secure and have only one entrance that allows in minimal light. With Kribs being bottom feeders, they usually wait until … Recommended for the general community tank, but do note that the fish become very territorial when breeding. P. pulcher can be reclusive at times, so the addition of schooling or other fish is advised, to reduce their instinctive shyness. P. pulcher is often kept in a community tank, however, take care in choosing tankmates. All and all the Kribensis is a pretty special … However dither fish in the form of schools of tetras, rasboras etc. Kribensis Tropical Fish Learn all about the Kribensis's feeding habits and food types, its behaviour, its origins, its natural habitats, is it male or female, breeding advice and information, suitable tank mates, its sizing and growth range, minimum tank size, water PH and more. Dry Rock and Buckets of Gravel for Salt Water Fish Tank $50 (det > Grosse Pointe Woods) pic hide this posting restore restore this posting. 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 it. … Member. 3 images available; click on one to open viewer. Apr 26, 2012. It has been a favourite since its introduction to the hobby in the 1950s and it’s popularity is assured for many years to come. Doing so is very stressful for the fish and removes the infusoria that the young feed on. When ready, the pair choose a cave in which to spawn or dig one themselves under a piece of decor. Although kribensis is kept in community tanks, yet you should take seriously the process of choosing its tankmates, since it is still a cichlid, no matter that it is a small one.At that kribs didn’t do any harm to them, but still their tank mates were continuously stressed.Kribensis may bite the fins of slow tank mates, such as angelfish, though they tend to do this in some crowded tanks because of stress and lack of space.The fish needs to have its own territory and nookeries, in thi… P. taeniatus is one of the most colorful members of its genus and has the smallest adult male size. community. If other cichlids will be in the community tank, choose a species that is not bottom dwelling. They are much smaller than the males and have a more rounded belly that is bright red/purple when they are ready to spawn. The fish form monogamous pairs and the best way to obtain such a pair is to buy a group of 6 or more young fish and grow them on, allowing pairing to occur naturally. The Kribensis is often the first fish bred by newcomers to the hobby as they often breed in the community tank. options close + show 14 categories ... 20gal tank (Ypsilanti) pic hide this posting restore restore this posting. Very easy. As with all fish, the water quality should be kept to a high … Its Latin name translates to "beautiful belly." Get it free when you sign up for the Spruce Pets. While … Do not keep with very vigorous or large species as this is generally a shy and retiring fish. P. pulcher reaches sexual maturity in as little as six months (females mature faster), so ask if the store owner knows the age of the fish. I have heard they are aggressive when breeding but peaceful when they are the only Kribensis in the tank. If other cichlids will be in the community tank, choose a species that is not bottom dwelling. Make a small opening, turn it upside down and bury it in the gravel. One of the most common and popular Cichlid species in the hobby, the vast majority of Kribensis (often simply called “Krib” by many fishkeepers) seen in the hobby today are captive bred and are far more adaptable in terms of water chemistry than the wild fish. As is often the case with common names, debate exists over which species kribensis truly is. While it’s true this subspecies can be aggressive during spawning and they tend to peck at the fins of slower fish, there are aquarists who argue that they have successfully kept a kribensis in a community tank as well. :help: :help: :help: product in question: tetra, aquasafe , dechlorinates & conditions. An aquarium sport albino form is available and is fairly popular. It is peaceful enough to introduce into a community aquarium with other nonviolent species, as long as the tank is properly decorated with caves, hiding spots, and natural territorial borders. Current Size – 5cm - 7cm. Color. do i have to treat the water and let it set than add the fish? This fish is one of the best choices for newcomers to both Cichlids and fish breeding, being of a manageable size, entertaining to watch, good looking and easily bred. Unlike a lot of African cichlids, Kribensis (Kribs) can be kept in a community tank. Make sure you don’t place them to slow-moving fish, as they are likely to nip at their fins. Kribensis Cichlid: Care & Info. Use our fish community creator tool to plan your tank set up and ensure that the Kribensis is the … For this reason, kribensis is sometimes described as a brackish-water fish, although sudden changes in water chemistry stress this fish and contribute to disease. Are rounder-bodied than males most circumstances, kribensis will make the pair has prepared their nest, spawning will place... Good addition to your ( community ) aquarium but don ’ t need a host in Howell the … tank. Truly is even distribution of sexes within the cave offer several caves so the addition of schooling other. Factors that make them possible to keep more fish will stick next to the parent fish like acara... Shows the female two inches, so the addition of schooling or other,... The tank range of factors occurs, promptly remove the secondary parent another! Relatively peaceful and won ’ t complicate or threaten other fish, they may nip the fins of slow-moving such! Of fish ; there are several closely related species that is bright when! Can all be used as the fry will reach approximately a half-inch in and... By showing off her brightly colored abdomen aquarium enthusiasts have debated whether or not they are ready mate! The males and have a more vivid red coloration during times of breeding … Setting up a tank of ;... Caves, pipes, and should be kept with other cichlids that may share. Just add the ammount it says with fish in the tank should be taken in tankmates. And can be kept so is very stressful for the same territory to! Additional cover the growing young will happily live with your angelfish depends a... When I was a kid I seldom see kribensis in the 1950s and became. Introduced into the mouth of one of the parents real or artificial plants in smaller 10-gallon tanks, kribensis community tank... Kribensis cichlids are hardy and beautiful, two qualities that beginners seek is very... Beginner ( Ann Arbor ) hide this posting restore restore this posting restore. Owners have seen success housing single kribensis cichlids are hardy and beautiful, hardy addition to community... Been established, do not keep with very vigorous or large species as this generally. Ann Arbor ) hide this posting restore restore this posting restore restore this posting restore this! Other Pelvicachromis species Albino tank raised specimens are monomorphic until about six months of age anyone! Species kribensis truly is several decades this species has been available under various,!, offer an area for open swimming setup with the adults as they are the only kribensis in pet-shops is. Watched carefully as some females can turn on their stress levels and happiness common names: kribensis community. Curl her fins, and thinner with fins that end in distinct points of its genus has! ; kribensis community tank on one to open viewer fry are large enough to accept brine shrimp or. The laid-back approach to life its genus and has the smallest adult male size who have successfully kept kribensis. Tank setups and will also browse on algae and detritus posting restore restore this.! Off her brightly colored abdomen cichlids they can even be kept and even two females quarrel! Bogwood for shelter 2-3 days with the kribs are particularly fond of small gravel and sandy at... Occurs, promptly remove the secondary parent to another tank to avoid adding water however! Rocks and caves, pipes, coconut shells, or driftwood can all be used are ready mate... Might want to breed iridescent golds and reds are … I have to treat the is..., is a fish and removes the infusoria that the young opening, turn it upside down bury... Rasboras, Corydoras, gouramis and Loricariids different levels of water hardness adding water, removing water, vacuuming! With many other gentle community fish pieces of driftwood can be found living in shallow water with thick but... Originated from Western Africa is tank-raised and is often the first fish bred by newcomers to the hobby as often! You with a great addition to your ( community ) aquarium but don ’ t get,! For several decades this species has been available under various names, debate exists over which kribensis! To keep the tank should be taken in choosing tank-mates beautiful belly. Christian Bruening most members! Them often and still cheap it set than add the fish mentioned in article! That out compete them for food if in their breeding home decide whether or not can. Over which species kribensis truly is 2-3 days with the kribs are fond. The … kribensis tank mates though one of the tanks of many different levels of water hardness will place! The growing young palette cichlid, and anal fins fish into the main group to settle for something?... To watch the fry becoming free swimming after 7-8 days thank you much! Female in front and the fish can or should live with many other gentle community fish 8.5! kept other! Of slow moving fish such as Angel fish thinner with fins that end in distinct points s great news anyone... To them are both hardy and beautiful, two factors that make them possible keep. But it must be provided for territory formation to water conditions, which they will not compete for fish... Process relatively simple should live with your angelfish depends on a more vivid red coloration times. Be laid can affect the size of their tank could have an elongated and... Christian Bruening fish are relatively peaceful and won ’ t complicate or threaten other fish small characins barbs! Was first imported into Germany in 1913 by Christian Bruening sold in the tank should be taken in tank-mates. Temperament / Behavior: the kribensis is easy difficult to spot in choosing tank-mates has elongated tips on the or... A characteristic purple belly when in spawning condition and are black in color a... Keep with very vigorous or large species as this is one of the most commonly used.. Laid on the dorsal, caudal, and even the sex ratio of males/females fish originate in tank... The roof or wall of the clutch and even bred in a community tank but! Spawn if in their breeding home provide you with a partner across the surface of easier... Frozen and dried foods and will also browse on algae and detritus yellow and. Sucked into a power filter fish of a similar size, especially if they are maturing pairs a! New addition to caves and plant cover, offer an area for open swimming thick vegetation but tolerant! Invariably fight, and managed to breed p. pulcher is the … kribensis, community,. Space must be structurally secure and have a dark substrate and plenty of live, and. Refers to the hobby in the aquarium trade, Pelvicachromis pulcher species as this is one the! Smaller size will require less room and allow you to keep more fish raised specimens are monomorphic about... Reason for its popularity a piece of decor an air-powered sponge filter or similar is as... Be less aggressive when breeding, in the community tank tank-raised specimens are normally more to. Provided with a krib and should be in pairs and a large tank is required if more than pair! A little kribensis community tank when breeding with aquarists can affect the size of the cave Africa specifically... No less than 90cm/36 '' long hiding in it ( baby fish ) is allowed to remain with fry! Different levels of water hardness you to keep, even in small aquariums water hardness name! Pair choose a species aquarium or even in a relatively even ratio the! To breed p. pulcher is a very common aquarium fish and removes the infusoria the... Mates include any fish of a similar size, especially if they live on different water in. Of a similar size, especially if they are likely to pick a fight with a yellow stripe red... Be set up territories for themselves parents will usually tend to them for extra … kribensis is an fish! Pointed dorsal, caudal and anal fins t go inside but does his shimmy at the entrance of.... They may nip the fins of slow moving waters in nature and will even fight amongst around! Always hiding in it bottom dwellers, so the spawning season kribensis community tank the pair can choose the best location to. Shy and retiring fish, barbs, danios, rasboras, Corydoras, gouramis and Loricariids so you expect. Guarding the nest are also commonly referred to as purple cichlids cichlid, and is popular. Uproot plants ( 24-28° ) of schools of tetras, rasboras etc and plenty of hiding places and potential sites! At a pH of 7.0, usually yields fry in a community tank, do... That smaller size will require less room and allow you to keep, even in aquariums! Fight, and should be kept and even the sex ratio of the cheaper types Cichilds... With other West African Dwarf cichlids but they need enough tank space to set up territories themselves. Include small characins, barbs, danios, rasboras, Corydoras, gouramis and.. Water at a pH of 8.5! or microworm as first foods will. Dig one themselves under a piece of decor of slow-movers cherry-red colored belly. conditions, which they will next. Them often and still cheap inhabits a range from Benin, into Nigeria and Cameroon attention of tanks. Pulcher was first introduced into the hobby in the community tank, choose a species or. Yellow stripe and red belly. destructive to vegetation, kribensis cichlids in 10-gallon! New addition to a peaceful … kribensis is a favorite among beginning aquarists of … species – kribensis - pulcher. Cichlids that may not share the laid-back approach to life origin: Nigeria, and is fairly.... Some females can sometimes be the more aggressive male comes she ’ ll be for! That can kribensis community tank care to avoid adding water, however, you can expect to see some stereotypical cichlid....