Kribensis

About

Kribensis (Pelvicachromis subocellatus) is one of the less frequently encountered members of its genus in the hobby, which is a shame because it has plenty going for it. Wild populations come from coastal West Africa, ranging roughly from Libreville in Gabon down to the lower Congo near Moanda. It can be distinguished from its close relatives by a noticeably taller, more compact body and by the reduced spotting in the upper lobe of the tail fin. Subtle details, but useful once you know what to look for. Females in breeding condition are particularly hard to miss: the midsection deepens to a rich pink-to-magenta with dark patches on the flanks, and she actively courts the male with a shimmying display, essentially dancing in front of him to advertise her readiness. Outside of breeding, this is a fairly shy fish that does well in a community setup alongside small tetras, rasboras, barbs, Corydoras, and gouramis. Just avoid boisterous or oversized tankmates that will push it around. The territorial side emerges when a pair is guarding eggs or fry, so plan the layout accordingly if you want to keep multiple pairs. Cave spawning is the norm, and pairs form strong monogamous bonds. Breeding is considered relatively straightforward, making this a rewarding project even for newer cichlid keepers. There are distinct geographic morphs, including 'Matadi' and 'Moanda', and keeping those lines separate is generally recommended.