Kribensis
The Kribensis is a type of cichlid, originating in West and Central Africa. They’re beautifully patterned and relatively easy to care for, and this makes them a popular fish among aquarists.
Kribensis cichlids are classed as “dwarf cichlids“, which are small, peaceful cichlids that spawn easily.
Kribensis typically live for 5–8 years, but with proper care, your fish can live for longer. In the wild, the kribensis cichlid lives in both slow and fast-moving water. These fish prefer areas with dense vegetation, and typically prefer to stick to the bottom and middle of a tank. Kribensis cichlids are known as fin-nippers. This means that they like to chase and bite the long, flowing fins of their tank mates. This can be an issue if your kribensis is living in a community tank with other species of fish.
You shouldn’t keep a kribensis alongside slow-moving fish with long, flowing fins. Bites and nips can lead to the fish becoming injured, stressed, and susceptible to injury.
Too many kribensis males in one tank can be a problem. Kribensis cichlids aren’t particularly aggressive toward each other, but their temperament can change during the breeding season when males can become aggressive and territorial. To avoid this, you should always keep more females than males in a group of kribensis cichlids.
Like other cichlids, kribensis cichlids are slim and have a rounded body shape. You will find varieties in colour and pattern between kribensis cichlids, but the standard colour is grey and white, with yellow tinges, red-tipped fins, and a black stripe. Some individuals also have black dots on their fins and scales.
Both male and female kribensis cichlids have yellow-tinged and red-tipped dorsal fins, but the males have long, pointed fins. The fins on the underside of the kribensis sometimes have streaks of metallic blue.
Females are approximately one inch smaller than males and have a noticeable pink tinge on their bellies and sides. During the breeding season, this colour becomes more vibrant — more red than pink. Male kribensis cichlids are around four inches long. Females are noticeably smaller, only three inches long.
If your kribensis is well cared for, its colours will become more vibrant. Stressed fish may display muted colours. If your kribensis looks duller than usual, check your water parameters and quality, and see if anything could be stressing out your fish. Around breeding time, a kribensis can become more aggressive and territorial, especially around caves or hiding places in the tank. Kribensis cichlids tend to stay near the bottom of the tank. They will be active during the day when the aquarium lights are on and will rest when it’s dark.
These fish like to root around in the gravel and swim in dense vegetation, so be sure to fill your tank with plenty of caves, plants, and other hiding places.
You can feed your kribensis in the morning and evening. Make sure to feed it a varied diet. These fish are relatively easy to care for, and will quickly adapt to different routines.
Temperament: Peaceful to nippy
Colour: Grey and yellow, with the trademark pink "blush" colour on the stomach and sides in females, and red dots or red-tipped fins
Lifespan: 5–8 years
Size: Approximately 4 inches
Diet: Omnivore. Kribensis cichlids eat good-quality fish flakes and specially designed cichlid pellets, as well as a combination of live and frozen foods
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Compatibility: Freshwater, caves, decorations, and plants