Description:
The 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.
Their 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.
To 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.
Temperament:
Kribensis 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.
Diet:
Kribensis 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 Xtreme Community Crave Flakes or Xtreme Spirulina Flakes 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.
Breeding Behaviour:
Kribensis 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.
Both 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.
Once 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.
Care Guide:
- Species – Pelvicachromis pulcher
- Common Name – Kribensis
- Origin – West Africa, Nigeria
- Temperament - Peaceful, Territorial when breeding
- Diet – Omnivore
- Minimum Tank Requirement - 75 litres
- Tank Level - Medium to Bottom dweller
- Care Level - easy
- PH Range – 6.0 – 7.5
- Temperature – Tropical 24°c – 27°c
- Breed Type – Egg Layer - Usually in caves
- Size – Grows to approximately 10cm
- Sex – Un-sexed
Acclimation Guide:
- Float the Bag: Place the unopened bag in your tank and let it float for 15–20 minutes. This lets the water inside the bag slowly match your tank’s temperature.
- Turn Off the Lights: Keep the aquarium lights off during this process. It helps keep things calm and prevents sudden temperature changes.
- Add a Bit of Tank Water: After floating, carefully open the bag and pour out about half the water into a sink or bucket (not into your tank). Then, slowly add small amounts of your tank water into the bag over 15–20 minutes. This helps your fish adjust to the new water conditions.
- Gently Move the Fish: Use a fish net to gently move your fish from the bag into the tank. Try not to pour the bag water into your tank — this helps keep your aquarium clean and healthy.
- Watch and Wait: It’s normal for fish to hide or act a bit shy at first. Keep an eye on them, and avoid doing a water change for the first 24 hours to give them time to settle in.
- Feeding Behaviour: New fish may not eat any food for the first 12-24 hours whilst it is settling into its new environment, please allow some time before feeding as the food may go to waste.
For more detailed steps and tips, feel free to visit our Acclimation Guide in our Education tab to help make the transition as smooth as possible for your new fish.
Rainbow Kribensis
Rainbow Kribensis
Size Guide
Adult size 10cm
Selected size —
Need more details? Everything about shipping, care and guarantees is just below.
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
✅ Healthy Fish Guarantee - All orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee with DOA (Dead On Arrival) policies in place for peace of mind.
🚚 $30 flat-rate shipping - Arrives within 1-4 business days, Free shipping on fish for orders over $150.
📦 Ordering supplies too? - Dry goods ship separately and have their own $11.95 shipping fee. This ensures faster delivery, so your fish never wait for equipment to be in stock. When ordering both fish and dry goods, both shipping fees apply ($30 + $11.95 = $41.95 total).
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Tank Requirements - Quick Overview
Tank Requirements - Quick Overview
If your aquarium is new, it may not be fully cycled yet. Newly set up tanks benefit from being fully cycled before adding fish, this process helps your new fish stay happy and healthy. Depending on your tank size, cycling can take up to 4–6 weeks or even longer, but there are ways to speed up this process to just a few days! If your tank has already been running for a while, you’re already good to go! Not sure what cycling means? Check out our guide on The Nitrogen Cycle for an easy explanation on what it is, and why it is important for your aquarium to thrive.
🐟 Want expert tips for your aquarium? Beginners can start with How to set up your aquarium, while everyone can check out Aquarium Maintenece & Care for ongoing tank tips!
How We Package & Ship Your Fish - Video
How We Package & Ship Your Fish - Video
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Tank Mate Compatibility
✅ Compatible With
- Mid-to-Top Water Schooling Fish — Congo Tetras, Ember Tetras, Rasboras, and Hatchetfish stay out of the Kribs' bottom territory and make ideal companions
- Active and Fast Fish — Zebra Danios and Diamond Tetras are quick enough to avoid any aggression during breeding periods
- Armoured Bottom Dwellers — Bristlenose Plecos are hardy enough to hold their own against territorial Kribensis
- Other Community Fish — Mollies, Platies, and peaceful Gouramis can work well in larger, well-decorated tanks with plenty of hiding spots
- Some Barbs — Odessa Barbs and Golden Barbs can coexist and are sometimes used in breeding setups to help manage fry numbers
❌ Avoid or Use Caution
- Other Bottom-Dwelling Cichlids — Avoid other Pelvicachromis species and Apistogramma, intense fighting over breeding caves is likely
- Delicate or Slow Bottom Dwellers — Many Corydoras species are too fragile and slow to handle Kribensis aggression during breeding and may be bullied or fin-nipped
- Long-Finned or Delicate Fish — Fancy Guppies, Betta Fish, and Angelfish are targets for fin nipping, especially when Kribs are guarding eggs or fry
- Small Shrimp and Invertebrates — Kribensis will view small shrimp and snails as a natural food source, particularly when breeding
- Aggressive Cichlids — Convict Cichlids and other dominant cichlids will easily bully and dominate the comparatively gentle Kribensis
Frequently Asked Questions — Rainbow Kribensis
Are Kribensis suitable for beginners?
Yes, Kribensis are one of the best beginner cichlids available. They are hardy, adaptable, and manageable in size, growing to approximately 10cm. Their peaceful temperament outside of breeding and their striking colouration make them a rewarding choice for both new and experienced aquarists.
How aggressive are Kribensis?
Kribensis are generally peaceful community fish, but they become highly territorial and aggressive when breeding, particularly around their chosen cave or spawning site. During this period they will actively defend their eggs and fry from any fish that ventures too close. Providing plenty of caves, plants, and hiding spots helps manage this behaviour and reduces conflict with tank mates.
Do Kribensis need a cave?
Yes, caves are essential. Kribensis are cave spawners and will use small terracotta pots, coconut shells, or any enclosed space as a breeding site. Even outside of breeding, caves and hiding spots provide security and reduce stress. A tank without adequate hiding spots will result in shy, stressed fish.
How do I tell male and female Kribensis apart?
Males are typically slightly larger and more slender with elongated fin extensions. Females are rounder and display a vivid pink, red, or purple belly, especially prominent when in breeding condition. Some males may develop a faint belly colour but it is rarely as intense as the female's. When in breeding condition, the female's belly colouration becomes even more striking.
What do Kribensis eat?
Kribensis are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet. High-quality flakes such as Xtreme Community Crave or Xtreme Spirulina Flakes make an excellent staple. Supplement regularly with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Including spirulina-based foods or blanched greens will further support health and enhance their vibrant colouration.
Will Kribensis breed in my tank?
Yes, Kribensis breed readily in captivity without much intervention. Provide a cave or enclosed spawning site, maintain clean stable water at 24–27°C, and feed a varied diet to condition the pair. The female will display her colourful belly to attract the male and lead him to the chosen cave. Both parents are attentive and will guard and herd their fry together.
How do I improve fry survival rates?
Both parents will actively guard and herd the fry, but tank mates can still pose a risk. Providing dense planting, caves, and plenty of hiding spots gives fry places to escape. In a heavily stocked community tank, moving the breeding pair to a separate tank before spawning will significantly improve survival rates.
What size tank do Kribensis need?
A minimum of 75 litres is recommended. Kribensis are bottom to mid level dwellers and need adequate floor space with territories established around caves and hiding spots. Larger tanks are strongly recommended if keeping a pair alongside other fish, as more space reduces territorial conflict during breeding.
Can I keep two pairs of Kribensis together?
It can work in a larger tank (150 litres or more) with multiple clearly defined cave territories spread across the tank. However, two breeding pairs in a smaller tank can result in intense fighting it enough territories are not provided. If attempting this, ensure each pair has its own clearly separated territory with visual barriers such as plants or décor between them.
What water parameters do Kribensis need?
Kribensis prefer tropical water at 24–27°C with a pH of 6.0–7.5. They are adaptable to a range of conditions but do best in soft to moderately hard water. Stable, clean water with regular water changes is essential, like all cichlids, they are sensitive to poor water quality and ammonia spikes.
A Note on Our Fish:
Fish may vary slightly in colour, size, and pattern from those pictured or shown in images and videos. This is natural across all fish, whether bred in-house, locally sourced, or imported, as individual variation is part of what makes each fish unique!
Every fish is quality checked for health, behaviour, and appearance before leaving our fish room. Fish that are dispatched as juveniles will grow into their adult size and colouration over time with a good balanced diet and proper care.
