Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcher (Boulenger, 1901)
Also called Krib, Rainbow krib, Rainbow cichlid, Purple cichlid, Red krib
From West Africa: eastern Benin, southern Nigeria and coastal western Cameroon.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Small, colourful cichlid
A neat, elongated cichlid; males are longer with pointed fins, females are smaller and rounder and show a rich purple-red belly when ready to spawn.23
Personality what they are like
Sociable and community-friendly most of the time, becoming firmly territorial when guarding a nest.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active on the lower levels, digging and exploring around caves and plants.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Provide caves and plants; it digs out nest hollows, so a soft substrate works well.23
Home where they are happiest
Tropical water of about 24 to 27 C, pH roughly 5 to 8 and up to about 12-19 dGH, in at least a 60 cm tank (FishBase suggests 80 cm) for a pair.21
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Takes most foods; cichlid pellets as the staple plus live and frozen foods. Wild fish eat a lot of algae and plant matter.213
Company who they like around
Best as a single pair in a community with small tetras, barbs, danios, rasboras, Corydoras and similar fish.2
The story where it all began
George Boulenger described the species in 1901 as Pelmatochromis pulcher, and it became the type species of Pelvicachromis in 1968. Mixed-up names over the years are why the trade still sells it as 'kribensis'.3
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 22 April 2019)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Boulenger in 1901 as Pelmatochromis pulcher; type species of Pelvicachromis (1968)3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Kribensis. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Kribensis?
Feed your Kribensis small amounts once or twice a day. This matches Furry Diary's starting plan of daily feeding. Adjust portions based on what your fish eats in a couple of minutes.21 Furry Diary plan
What does a Kribensis eat, and what should it never eat?
Kribensis enjoy cichlid pellets as a staple, plus live and frozen foods. Wild fish also eat algae and plant matter. Avoid any food not meant for tropical fish, and never feed them anything with sharp bones or shells.213
How much space does a Kribensis need?
A pair needs at least a 60 cm tank, with FishBase suggesting 80 cm for comfort. Provide caves and plants for them to explore and dig. A soft substrate works well for their nesting behavior.21
What temperature, light or water does a Kribensis need?
Keep tropical water at 24 to 27°C, with pH roughly 5 to 8 and hardness up to about 12-19 dGH. Normal aquarium lighting is fine. Check temperature daily as per Furry Diary's plan.21 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Kribensis's home?
Furry Diary suggests a 25% water change weekly, along with weekly glass cleaning and water testing. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. This keeps your Kribensis healthy. Furry Diary plan
Can a Kribensis live with others?
Yes, they are sociable and community-friendly most of the time, but become territorial when guarding a nest. Best kept as a single pair with small tetras, barbs, danios, rasboras, Corydoras, and similar fish.2
How long does a Kribensis live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific information, consult a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet who knows cichlids.
Can I handle a Kribensis?
Handling is not recommended as it stresses the fish and can damage their protective slime coat. Enjoy watching them explore and dig instead.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Pelvicachromis pulcher fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, IUCN, wild diet
- Seriously Fish: Pelvicachromis pulcher seriouslyfish.comused for size, water parameters, tank size, diet, behaviour, dimorphism, breeding
- Wikipedia: Pelvicachromis pulcher en.wikipedia.orgused for names, etymology, history, size, colour forms, pH and sex ratio
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.