The kribensis (Pelvicachromis pulcher), or krib, is a hardy fish that originates from western Africa. Well kept kribs have a beautiful coloration, especially during breeding – Kribs may not have all their lovely colors when you’re buying them in pet shops.

Lifetime

Adults live to about 4-5 years.

Size

These fish get to 10cm(4″) long

Aquarium conditions

Kribs can be kept in water with a pH of 6-8 without problem(except for breeding as pH alters the sex ratio of the fry) with temperature between 21°C(70°F) and 26°C(80°F).

Feeding

Kribs will eat almost any food you give them. But be sure to vary the diet and supplement with live food occasionally. As kribs are often at the bottom of the aquarium, you might consider to feed them sinking food.

Breeding

The kribensis is a very easy fish to breed, one male and one female will mate for life and will breed regularly. More in the Krib Breeding article.

Wild Kribs

There are other fish that falls into the Pelvicachromis family and may look quite similar to kribs but with different coloration and patterns . Often these are wild caught fish and are not recommended for beginners as they may be more fragile.

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