Kribensis

Pelvicachromis pulcher

Also known as: Krib, Rainbow krib, Purple cichlid

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–27°C
• pH: 6–7.8
• Hardness (GH): 36–268 ppm (2–15 dGH)

Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.

Care Summary

One of the most beginner-friendly cichlids and a long-standing favourite, a West African dwarf cichlid that stays small, behaves itself in a community of upper-water fish, and breeds readily in a cave (a flowerpot on its side is plenty). Hardy and adaptable across a broad range of water, which is unusual for a cichlid and a large part of its appeal. Uniquely, the female is the more colourful sex, flushing a cherry-red belly and curling into a courtship display when ready to spawn. Provide caves, a soft substrate, and some floor territory. The only real watch-point is breeding: a spawning pair becomes possessive of its corner, which is easily managed in a tank with enough length and tankmates that swim up high.

Tankmates

Peaceful for most of the year, then territorial when breeding: a spawning pair claims a cave and the floor around it, driving off anything that approaches, especially other bottom-dwellers and dwarf cichlids. Best kept as a bonded male and female pair with a cave each. The ideal tankmates are peaceful, upper-water dither fish (tetras, rasboras, danios, rainbowfish) that stay out of the krib's zone entirely. Avoid other dwarf cichlids in tanks under about 120 litres, and avoid dwarf shrimp, which are eaten. Tank-bred kribs adapt to a wide range of water.

Compatible with

• Harlequin Rasbora
• Cardinal Tetra
• Neon Tetra
• Zebra Danio
• Rummynose Tetra
• Congo Tetra
• Bristlenose Pleco

Avoid keeping with

• Betta
• German Blue Ram
• Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
• Cherry Shrimp

Common Problems

• territorial aggression while breeding
• harassment of bottom-dwellers near the nest
• ich
• fin rot

Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-20