KRIBENSIS THE NANO RIVER RAINBOWS

If any aquarium hobbyist is looking out for a small fish that can add action and an array of sparkling colours to his freshwater aquarium, the kribensis cichlid (Pelvicachromis pulcher) is undeniably worth considering.

- Sameer Gudhate

This fish is a great choice for the rookie fish keeper and can even be recommended to experienced aquarists. This colorful dwarf cichlid fish is easy to care for. Affectionately referred to simply as “krib” within the hobby, this West African cichlid is called kribensis because it was once known as P. kribensis. The present accepted scientific name is P. pulcher, which roughly means “beautiful belly fish.” In Latin, pelvica is the plural of pelvis, chromis refers to a fish, and pulcher means beautiful. And that is undoubtedly an appropriate description for a species in which the belly of the female takes on a effervescent, cherry red rosiness throughout the breeding period. Since an established krib couple spawns regularly, you can expect to see a lot of this coloration in your tank.

HABITAT AND CARE