Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: With Caution
General Description: Kribensis, sometimes referred to as “Kribs” for short, are endemic to shallow waters in Nigeria and along the coast of Cameroon in western Africa. A popular fish for beginner cichlid hobbyists, Kribensis are not overly aggressive and are relatively easy to keep. They thrive best in an active community aquarium; avoid large or aggressive species given their shyness. Of note, Kribensis can become territorial during spawning. Males will grow larger, approximately 4″, and have pointed dorsal and anal fins. Females grow about an inch smaller but are rounder than males and will have a bright purple/pink belly, especially in spawning condition. Kribensis are best kept in groups of a single sex or as a single male – female pair unless the aquarium is large enough to accomodate multiple pairs. Easy to spawn, few wild Kribensis are collected as many, if not all, available within the aquarium trade are commercially produced. A good proportion of Kribensis at Aquatics Unlimited are locally raised by hobbyists right here in Wisconsin!
Diet Requirements: A diet made up of various high quality protein and vegetable based foods are ideal. Such options include frozen brine shrimp and blood worms, and foods containing Spirulina algae are a plus. Kribensis will accept sinking pellet foods and flake foods as a staple, but these should not make up the majority of their diet. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for a pair of Kribensis. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters ideal (Nitrates < 30 ppm). The aquarium does not need to be aquascaped with anything in particular to keep Kribensis happy, but a finer substrate, driftwood and other natural-looking arrangements will bring out the beauty of this cichlid. Including decor that can mimic caves will be refuges for spawning. Common tank mates for Kribensis include barbs, danios, tetras, cory catfish, gouramis, other dwarf west African cichlids and some Tanganyikan cichlids [note potential different water chemistry preferences, however; namely pH]. Do not keep Kribensis with aggressive Malawian cichlids. Recommended water conditions, 76-82° F, KH 0-12, pH 5.0-7.0.
Purchase Size: Small: 3/4” to 1”; Medium: 1-1/4” to 1-1/2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
