Kribensis Care Guide
Pelvicachromis pulcher · Easy care · 20 gallon minimum
A colorful, cave-spawning dwarf cichlid; peaceful until breeding, when pairs defend a territory.
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How big does a kribensis get?
A kribensis (Pelvicachromis pulcher) reaches about 3.5 inches as an adult. Plan tank size and tank mates around the adult size, not the small fish you buy at the store.
Tank size & setup
Give a kribensis a minimum of 20 gallons, with water at 75–82°F and a pH of 5.5–7.5. As a easy-care, omnivore species, a stable, cycled tank with the right diet keeps them healthiest.
Good tank mates
Pair a kribensis with peaceful species that share its temperature and pH range. Compatible options include:
- Neon Tetra — 1.5", 10g min
- Guppy — 2.0", 10g min
- Molly — 4.0", 20g min
- Platy — 2.5", 10g min
- Zebra Danio — 2.0", 10g min
About the kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcher is a freshwater fish of the cichlid family, endemic to Nigeria and Cameroon. It is popular amongst aquarium hobbyists, and is most commonly sold under the name kribensis, although it has other common names, including various derivatives and color morphs of the kribensis: krib, common krib, red krib, super-red krib and rainbow krib, along with rainbow cichlid and purple cichlid.
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