Name: Kribensis
Scientific Name: Pelivicachromis pulcher
Origin: Nigeria; Africa
A beautiful African cichlid, the kribensis (or krib) is an easy to breed egg laying fish. These simple to breed fish can be bred in smaller aquaria, it has been done in tanks as small as 10 gallons, but I suggest something more along the lines of a 20g long for more floor space. I have recently successfully bred these fish in a community aquarium (I only suggest this in a tank large enough for the kribs to establish a territory and a tank that has no bottom dwelling fish).
Kribs are community fish when not breeding, but can quickly turn into feisty, protective, parents of their young offspring. Kribensis can spend hours displaying to each other in a graceful, yet violent at times, courtship. You shouldn’t be surprised if the pair both have torn fins by the time they spawn. The courtship of these fish is an interesting occurrence to watch, not least for the vibrant colors they display.
Once the kribs have found or rearranged a suitable cave for spawning, the pair lay their eggs. Aquarists usually provide clay pots, plastic cups weighted down, or rock built caves for this purpose.
Water Conditions
Kribensis will generally breed in neutral pH to more alkaline water. They’re not a picky species, but are hesitant to breed if the tank is often disturbed. The aquarium should be clean, and breeding pairs often display more interesting courtship behaviour when this is the case.
The Fry Timeline
After a few days, the eggs will hatch. Three to four more days will pass before the fry are free swimming. At this point, the fry venture from the cave with parent fish. After approximately three weeks, the fry will begin to leave the cave and explore the aquarium on their own. Within four to 6 months, the fry are mature adults finally looking as their adult counterparts.
What to Feed Fry
It is not always necessary, in the case that your tank is planted and has enough microorganisms to sustain young fish, to provide additional food. However, it’s always a good idea to be sure the fish have a source of food.
Suitable foods for fry:
Crushed nutritious flakes
Ground shrimp pellets
Infusoria
Liquid fry food
Images and Videos:
Kribensis Courting
http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u216/ichspics/Aquariums/?action=view¤t=kribscourting.flv
Kribensis fry with adults
http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u216/ichspics/Aquariums/?action=view¤t=kribfry.flv
Male (left) and female (right)
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u216/ichspics/Aquariums/pairfry2.jpg
Written by Leah C., Fishhome Founder. Resources: Experience breeding this species, origin sited from This Site
