How big does Kribensis get?

Kribensis reaches an adult standard length of 7–10 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.

What water does Kribensis need?

24–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, 3–12 dGH. That is only 4 °C wide, so stability matters more than hitting a particular number.

What is the smallest tank for Kribensis?

At least 80 L, and no shorter than 70 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is not a schooling fish, so a single specimen or a pair is fine.

What is Kribensis like to keep?

Temperament: semi-aggressive. Difficulty: beginner. It occupies the bottom and is omnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".

G-01 / 24Freshwater

Kribensis红肚凤凰

Pelvicachromis pulcher · Cichlidae

A West African dwarf cichlid that spawns in any cave and then herds its fry around the tank.

Illustration to come

G-01 / 24 · Kribensis Pelvicachromis pulcher

SpecificationsFish atlas

Name: 红肚凤凰
Scientific name: Pelvicachromis pulcher
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: Niger river delta, Nigeria, West Africa
Adult size: 7–10 cm
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Water level: Bottom
Level: Beginner
Min. tank: 80 L
Min. length: 70 cm
Plant safe: Leaves plants alone

Water requirementsFreshwater

Temp.24–28 °C

pH6–7.5

Hardness3–12 dGH

Units: temperature in °C, hardness in German degrees (dGH / dKH), marine salinity as specific gravity at 25 °C, volume in litres. These are the values recorded for the species and do not follow the site unit switcher.

Keeping notes

1It spawns in any cave and the parents then shepherd a cloud of fry through the tank.
2Territorial when breeding: add caves, coconut shells and plants to break lines of sight.
3Handles neutral to slightly alkaline hard water, rare among dwarf cichlids.
4Omnivorous on pellets and bloodworm; use sand and leave an open swimming area.

Frequently asked questions

How big does Kribensis get?: Kribensis reaches an adult standard length of 7–10 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.
What water does Kribensis need?: 24–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, 3–12 dGH. That is only 4 °C wide, so stability matters more than hitting a particular number.
What is the smallest tank for Kribensis?: At least 80 L, and no shorter than 70 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is not a schooling fish, so a single specimen or a pair is fine.
What is Kribensis like to keep?: Temperament: semi-aggressive. Difficulty: beginner. It occupies the bottom and is omnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".