How do you tell male and female Kribensis apart?

Males grow larger (9 cm) with pointed dorsal and spade-shaped tail fins, whereas females are smaller (7 cm) with a rounder, intensely plum-crimson belly.

Does water pH affect the sex ratio of Kribensis fry?

Yes! Acidic water (pH 5.5–6.2) yields mostly male fry, neutral water (pH 6.8–7.0) gives a 50:50 split, and slightly alkaline water (pH 7.3–7.5) produces mostly females.

Kribensis Cichlid

Pelvicachromis pulcher · family Cichlidae

Also: Rainbow Krib, Purple Cichlid, Pelvicachromis pulcher

Kribensis Cichlid (Pelvicachromis pulcher) — aquarium fish — Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

Temperature: 24–27 °C
pH: 6–7.5
Hardness: 5–14 °dGH
Tank volume: from 70 L
Maximum size: up to 9 cm
Group size: min 2, ideal 2
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom
Difficulty: Beginner
Lifespan: 5–8 years

Description

The Kribensis (Pelvicachromis pulcher) is the ultimate West African dwarf cichlid for planted community aquariums. Unlike rock-dwelling Rift Lake cichlids, Kribs thrive in neutral-to-slightly-acidic water without uprooting plants. Remarkably, females (7 cm) are even more intensely colored than males (9 cm), sporting a glowing plum-purple and crimson-wine belly that flares brilliantly during courtship.

Care

A bonded pair thrives in a 70-liter planted tank (24–27 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, GH 5–14) furnished with fine sand, driftwood, tough plants (Anubias, Bolbitis, Cryptocorynes), and enclosed caves such as half coconut shells or ceramic domes. Peaceful outside of spawning, parents fiercely defend a 25 cm radius around their cave when leading fry.

Feeding

Unfussy omnivore: readily accepts sinking dwarf cichlid pellets, spirulina flakes, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and blackworms.

Breeding

Classic cave spawner: the female attaches 100–250 adhesive eggs to the ceiling of a coconut cave. Both parents guard the cave and shepherd the free-swimming cloud of fry across the tank floor for 3–4 weeks.

Compatibility

Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Идеальный африканский биотоп: конго плавают в верхнем ярусе и не заплывают к пещере пульхеров.
Good
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cirrhosus
Уживаются в аквариуме от 100 л, если у каждого сома и пары пульхеров свои пещеры в разных углах.
Caution
Pygmy Corydoras
Corydoras pygmaeus
Во время охраны мальков пульхеры будут жестко атаковать донных коридорасов.
Avoid
Red Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Попугайчики пульхера быстро выловят всех креветок.
Avoid

FAQ

How do you tell male and female Kribensis apart?: Males grow larger (9 cm) with pointed dorsal and spade-shaped tail fins, whereas females are smaller (7 cm) with a rounder, intensely plum-crimson belly.
Does water pH affect the sex ratio of Kribensis fry?: Yes! Acidic water (pH 5.5–6.2) yields mostly male fry, neutral water (pH 6.8–7.0) gives a 50:50 split, and slightly alkaline water (pH 7.3–7.5) produces mostly females.

AuthorGoldie Editorial

Goldie editorial team

Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication

Goldie Science Board — collective scientific review panel

Reviewed byGoldie Science Board

Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians

Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown

Sources

FishBase: Pelvicachromis pulcher · FishBase · 2026-05-22
Seriously Fish: Pelvicachromis pulcher · Seriously Fish · 2026-05-22