All fish / Cichlidae

Drachenfels' Kribensis

Pelvicachromis drachenfelsi

Also known as drachenfels krib, drachenfelsi krib, pelvicachromis sp. sanaga, drachenfelsi

A small West African dwarf cichlid related to the common kribensis, with a dark lateral band, yellowish flanks and a red or pink belly in females. It was described in 2018 from the Sanaga drainage and is kept by cichlid enthusiasts for its colour and interesting pair behaviour.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

5.5 to 7

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

One pair

Diet

Omnivore: small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp, plus quality granules

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Cameroon (Sanaga River basin)

Breeding

A cave spawner that forms monogamous pairs; eggs are laid inside a cave and both parents guard the fry. Breeding is fairly straightforward in soft, slightly acidic water with plenty of caves.

Good to know

Pairs become territorial when breeding and can harass bottom dwellers in small tanks. Rarely traded and easily confused with other Pelvicachromis species, so buy from specialist sources.