Kribensis Cichlid

Pelvicachromis pulcher

The friendly gateway cichlid — a stocky, pink-bellied pair that patrols the tankfront, excavates caves, and fiercely protects its eggs.

3–4 in5+ years

Habitat

Enclosure

20 gal minimum · pair

Temperature

75–79°F

Humidity / Water

Fully aquatic · pH 6.5–7.5

Heating & lighting

Sandy substrate, caves, and dense plants along the back. 75-79°F, pH neutral. They are cave spawners — a flowerpot cave becomes the nursery.

Diet

Feed these

Sinking pellets and flakes
Frozen bloodworms
Brine shrimp
Blanched veggie wafers

Never feed

Other krib pairs — territory wars
Tiny shrimp
Large aggressive cichlids

Daily varied feeding; females turn shocking purple-pink when breeding. When the female's belly glows electric purple, she's courting — give them a cave.

Cohabitation

Can live with

Kribensis pair Corydoras Catfish Harlequin Rasboras Bristlenose Pleco

Never house with

Other kribensis pairs Neon Tetra during breeding — territories expand Betta

A bonded pair in a planted 20-gal — all the cichlid personality in a package that won't redecorate your tank.