{"title":"African Cichlids","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"rainbow-kribensis","title":"Rainbow Kribensis","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kribensis cichlid, known as Pelvicachromis pulcher is a small peaceful cichlid species native to the slow-moving rivers and streams of West Africa. Admired for their vibrant and iridescent hues, these fish display a dazzling combination of electric blues, purples, reds, pinks and yellows, especially when in breeding condition. Females often show a deep pink or purple belly, a feature that becomes even more vivid during breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir small size and eye catching colouration make Kribensis a popular and rewarding choice for freshwater aquariums. Unlike many other cichlids, they exhibit a manageable temperament and strong pair bonding behaviour. This, combined with their adaptability and hardy nature, contributes to their popularity among both beginner and experienced aquarists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo tell genders apart, males tend to be slightly larger and more slender than females, often displaying elongated fin extensions and do some may not get the pink belly that the females do during maturity, some males do, but it's not as prominent. When paired, both male and female Kribensis demonstrate attentive parenting by raising and guarding their eggs and fry until they are old enough to venture out alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKribensis are generally peaceful, making them well suited to community aquariums. However, during breeding, they may become territorial particularly around their chosen cave or spawning site, when they are guarding their eggs or fry is when they may show their more aggressive side towards other tanks mates. It is advisable to provide plenty of hiding spots and sufficient space to avoid conflicts with tank mates. They do best with other peaceful species and should be housed with fish that tolerate similar water parameters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eKribensis are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet. In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates, algae, and organic matter. In captivity, high-quality staples such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rippleeffectaquatics.com.au\/products\/xtreme-community-crave-krill-spirulina-flakes\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Xtreme Community Crave\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eXtreme Community Crave Flakes\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rippleeffectaquatics.com.au\/products\/xtreme-spirulina-flakes\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Xtreme Spirulina Flakes\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eXtreme Spirulina Flakes\u003c\/a\u003e provide a balanced nutritional base. These can be supplemented with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Including vegetable matter such as spirulina-based foods or blanched greens will help promote optimal health and vibrant colouration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding Behaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKribensis are cave spawners and will happily use small terracotta pots, coconut shells, or other enclosed spaces as breeding sites. When ready to spawn, the female will display her colourful, bright red\/pink\/purple belly to attract the male and lead him to the chosen cave. She lays her eggs on the roof or walls inside, and the male fertilises them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth parents work together to protect the eggs and fry. The female typically stays inside the cave, cleaning and fanning the eggs, while the male patrols the area around it. Eggs usually hatch within 5–7 days, depending on temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the fry hatch, they will stay close to the cave at first. The parents often “herd” them around the tank as they grow, defending them from other fish. Kribensis are very attentive parents, but if other tankmates are present, make sure there are plenty of hiding spots for the fry to improve their survival rate.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ripple Effect Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small unsexed 3-6cm","offer_id":45244898345131,"sku":"rainbow-krib-small-uns-3-6cm","price":12.52,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/6712\/1835\/files\/Female_Rainbow_Kribensis.png?v=1770456928"},{"product_id":"multies-shell-dwellers","title":"Neolamprologus multifasciatus - Shellies","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eNeolamprologus multifasciatus, also known as Multies, Multi Shell Dwellers, or Shellies, are one of the most captivating nano cichlids available in the hobby. Endemic to the ancient waters of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, these diminutive fish pack an extraordinary amount of personality into a remarkably small package. Males reach just 4–5 cm in length, while females are even smaller at around 2.5 cm, making them one of the tiniest members of the Cichlidae family.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eAdults display a soft light brown to beige base colouration with a distinctive dark vertical banding pattern across the body. Their bright white or blue iris and black pupil give them a striking, alert expression. Fins are rounded and elegant, pectoral fins are transparent, pelvic fins are wing-shaped with a white leading edge, and the caudal fin features a single light peripheral band. Juveniles share the same light tan colouration but lack the banding and fin highlights of mature adults.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eWhat truly sets Multies apart is their shell-dwelling lifestyle. In the wild, a dominant male establishes a colony by collecting and arranging small gastropod shells, creating a miniature underwater kingdom that houses a harem of females. Each female claims and meticulously maintains her own shell, rarely venturing far from it. This behaviour is fully replicated in the aquarium, making them one of the most interactive and behaviourally rich species you can keep.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eTheir manageable size, relative hardiness, and fascinating social dynamics make them an excellent choice for aquarists looking to explore something truly unique, from curious beginners to seasoned cichlid enthusiasts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur personal favourite shells to use are empty escargot shells, large, tough, and perfectly sized for Multies to spawn in, live in, and most importantly, move around. These fish are dedicated earth movers. They will rearrange their environment entirely to suit themselves, pushing shells across the substrate and burying rival males' shells to eliminate competition and force opposing males to establish territories further away. The result is a tank that can look completely different every time you check in, making them one of the most entertaining and interactive species you can keep.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eMulties are peaceful within their own colony but highly territorial around their shells. A single dominant male will oversee a group of females, and while intra-colony squabbles are common, they rarely result in injury. Their territorial nature is directed primarily at the substrate level, making tank mate selection important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eThey can be kept in a community setting, but tank mates must occupy the middle or upper water column to avoid encroaching on shell territories. Species that bottom-dwell or compete for substrate space are not recommended. When kept in a species-only setup, Multies thrive and display their full range of natural behaviours with minimal stress.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eMulties are commonly carnivorous in the wild but have adapted to omnivorous diets in captivity and are relatively easy to feed. In the wild, they forage for small invertebrates, larvae, and organic matter around the shell beds of Lake Tanganyika. In the aquarium, they readily accept high-quality micro pellets such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rippleeffectaquatics.com.au\/products\/frenzy-high-protein-fast-growth-fish-food-1mm-sinking-pellets\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Frenzy Sinking Pellets\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eFrenzy Sinking 1mm Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e or fine flakes like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rippleeffectaquatics.com.au\/products\/xtreme-community-crave-krill-spirulina-flakes\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Xtreme Community Crave\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eXtreme Community Crave\u003c\/a\u003e as a staple diet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eTo keep them in peak condition, supplement with live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro worms. Their small mouths require appropriately sized food, so finely crushed or micro-format foods are essential. In our fish room we still skip a day or two of feeding to encourage healthy digestion, please visit our diet tab for more information.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding Behaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eNeolamprologus multifasciatus are one of the most rewarding shell-dwelling cichlids to breed in the home aquarium, and one of the most prolific. A starting colony of just 5 or 6 fish can multiply into dozens within a few months, and they will continue reproducing until the tank reaches its natural capacity. Once established, breeding occurs naturally and frequently with minimal intervention.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eMales will actively court females, displaying and posturing near the shell cluster to assert dominance and attract mates. Females spawn directly inside their chosen shell, depositing eggs in the protected interior where they are fertilised and guarded. Unlike many African cichlids, Multies lack egg spots on their caudal fins, a trait directly linked to their shell-spawning strategy, as the eggs are already well-protected and do not require distraction displays.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey breeding facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eSpawn cycle:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e Females can lay a new batch of eggs every \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e2 to 4 weeks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e, with fry typically free-swimming within 7 days of hatching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eColony dynamics:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e Older siblings actively help protect younger fry, parents do not eat their own young, which allows for rapid population booms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eFry feeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e Newly hatched fry require very fine foods such as infusoria, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rippleeffectaquatics.com.au\/products\/xtreme-nice-crumble-naturally-intense-color-enhancer-sinking-crumble-70g\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Xtreme Nice Crumble\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eXtreme Nice Crumble\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e or fry powder, progressing to baby brine shrimp and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rippleeffectaquatics.com.au\/products\/frenzy-high-protein-fast-growth-fish-food-0-5mm-sinking-pellets\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Frenzy Sinking Pellets\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eFrenzy Sinking 0.5mm Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e as they grow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eThe colony will naturally expand over time. Providing additional shells encourages females to establish new territories and supports continued population growth. To encourage breeding, maintain stable, clean water with a slight alkaline pH to replicate Lake Tanganyika conditions, provide an abundance of small shells, and offer a varied, high-quality diet to keep the colony in optimal condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ripple Effect Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"2-3cm","offer_id":47088960602283,"sku":"shellie-2-3-cm","price":19.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}]}],"url":"https:\/\/www.rippleeffectaquatics.com.au\/collections\/african-cichlids.oembed","provider":"Ripple Effect Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}