Kribensis Cichlid Care Guide: Tank, Feeding & Breeding

Kribensis cichlids (Pelvicachromis pulcher) are bright, colorful fish that look like little peacocks! They’re loved by fishkeepers for their beautiful colors and fun personalities. They also breed easily. If you want a stunning, easy-to-care-for fish, Kribensis might be just what you’re looking for.

This guide will help you keep your Kribensis healthy and happy.

Water Parameters

Kribensis Cichlids come from soft, slightly acidic waters in West Africa. To keep them happy, make their home feel cozy. Think of it like setting the perfect bath—not too hot or cold, with no ammonia!

Water Parameter	Ideal Range
Temperature	75-80°F (24-27°C)
pH Level	6.0-7.5
Water Hardness	Soft to moderately hard (5-15 dGH)
Ammonia/Nitrite	0 ppm (toxic if present)
Nitrate	Below 20 ppm

Tips for Maintaining Water Quality

Perform weekly water changes of 20-30%.
Use a gentle filtration system to avoid strong currents.
Test the water regularly using a reliable water testing kit.

Tank Setup

Setting up the right environment is key to keeping Kribensis happy. They love hiding spots and need enough space to claim their territory.

Tank Requirements

Tank Feature	Recommended Setup
Minimum Tank Size	20-30 gallons for a pair
Substrate	Fine sand or smooth gravel
Plants	Live plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Amazon Sword
Decorations	Caves, driftwood, and rocks for hiding spaces
Filtration	Moderate flow filter (sponge or canister)
Lighting	Moderate lighting (not too bright)

Why Tank Setup Matters

Caves are where they lay their eggs.
Plants help them feel safe and calm.
A big tank keeps the water clean and the fish less stressed.

Breeding Kribensis Cichlids

Kribensis breed easily and take good care of their babies. It’s fun to watch!

How to Help Them Breed

Keep one healthy male and one healthy female.
Keep the water warm (77–80°F) and the pH between 6.5 and 7.0.
Add caves or coconut shells.
Feed them protein-rich foods like bloodworms and shrimp.

What Happens When They Breed

Dancing: The pair shows off their bright colors.
Eggs: The female lays 50–300 eggs in a cave.
Parents: Both fish guard the eggs and babies.
Hatching: Eggs hatch in 2–3 days. The babies begin swimming on their own in about a week.

Fry Care

Stage	Care Tips
First Week	Keep parents with fry, feed baby brine shrimp.
2-4 Weeks	Gradually introduce crushed flakes or micro-pellets.
1 Month+	Separate from parents if aggression occurs.

Behavior & Tank Mates

Kribensis can be a bit bossy, especially when they breed. But with the right fish, they can get along just fine.

Typical Behavior

Territorial: They guard their space.
Curious: They love to explore caves and plants.
Bright Colors: Their bellies turn red when breeding.
Caring Parents: Both mom and dad protect the babies.

Suitable Tank Mates

Good Tank Mates	Tank Mates to Avoid
Tetras (Neon, Rummy Nose)	Large aggressive cichlids
Corydoras Catfish	Fin-nipping fish (Tiger Barbs)
Rasboras	Slow-moving fish like Angelfish
Dwarf Gouramis	Bottom-dwellers that may compete for territory

How to Reduce Aggression

Add lots of hiding spots.
Keep just one pair in small tanks.
Don’t keep them with very aggressive fish.

Feeding Kribensis Cichlids

A good diet keeps your fish healthy and colorful.

Food Type	Examples
High-Quality Pellets	Cichlid pellets, sinking granules
Live/Frozen Foods	Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
Vegetables	Blanched spinach, zucchini
Flakes	High-protein flakes

Feeding Tips

Feed small amounts 2–3 times a day.
Mix meat and plant foods.
Take out leftover food to keep the water clean.

Lifespan & Long-Term Care

Kribensis can live 5 to 7 years if well cared for.

How to Help Them Live Long

Change 20–30% of the water each week.
Give them a balanced diet.
Watch for signs of sickness like white spots or torn fins.
Keep the water clean and steady.

Common Diseases & Prevention

Disease	Symptoms & Prevention
Ich (White Spot)	White spots on body, treat with salt or medication.
Fin Rot	Fins appear torn, improve water quality.
Bacterial Infections	Red patches or ulcers, use antibiotics if needed.

Final Thoughts

Kribensis are fun, colorful fish. They’re hardy, easy to breed, and take good care of their babies. Give them a clean tank, good food, and a safe space. You’ll enjoy their company for many years!