Cameroon Form
Pelvicachromis pulcher
Origin: Southern Nigeria and Cameroon: Niger Delta coastal rivers and Kienke/Mungo river systems
Also known as: Krib, Rainbow Krib, Purple Cichlid, Pelvicachromis pulcher
Fact sheet
- Size
- 10 cm
- Lifespan
- 8 years
- Minimum tank size
- 80 L
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness GH
- 5–15 °dH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Social behavior
- In pairs
- Swimming zone
- Bottom
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- No
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
Populations from Cameroonian river systems show slightly different coloration patterns and intensity. Sometimes called P. pulcher 'Cameroon.'
Appearance
Shared with the species: Kribensis
Males reach 10 cm; females slightly smaller and deeper-bodied. Males: yellowish-olive with blue iridescence on flanks. Females: plain base color transformed by a striking magenta-purple and yellow belly during breeding condition.
Care
Shared with the species: Kribensis
Tank 100–120 L minimum. Temperature 24–28°C, pH 5.5–7.2 (soft, slightly acidic water preferred). Dense planting, coconut shell caves, smooth rocks. Dark fine substrate, gentle filtration.
Feeding
Shared with the species: Kribensis
Omnivore: small invertebrates and algae in the wild. Tank: small pellets, flake, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia.
Compatibility
Shared with the species: Kribensis
Peaceful outside spawning season. Excellent community fish with small tetras, rasboras, danios, corydoras. Breeding pairs defend cave territory aggressively.
Breeding
Shared with the species: Kribensis
Cave spawner. Female deposits 50–300 eggs in a sealed cave and becomes intensely protective, chasing even the male away from the entrance. Fry emerge 4–5 days after hatching; parents guard for several weeks.
Fun facts
Shared with the species: Kribensis
Water pH influences offspring sex ratio: acidic water (pH < 7) produces more females; alkaline water (pH > 7) more males. Females are brighter than males during breeding — an unusual reversal of typical sexual dichromatism in fish.