All fish / Cichlidae

Eyespot Kribensis

Pelvicachromis subocellatus

Also known as ocellated krib, eye-spot krib, subocellatus krib, pelvicachromis subocellatus moanda, subocellatus, eyespot krib, ペルヴィカクロミス・スボセラートゥス, 眼斑红肚凤凰

A small West African dwarf cichlid related to the common kribensis, with a dark eyespot on the dorsal fin and breeding females turning dramatic black with a pink to purple belly and silvery white bands. It is kept for its striking breeding colours, interesting pair behaviour and manageable size in planted community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

8 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

One pair, or a single pair per tank unless very large

Diet

Omnivore: quality flakes and small pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and some vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Coastal West Central Africa: Gabon, Republic of the Congo, DR Congo and Angola (Cabinda)

Breeding

A cave spawner that forms monogamous pairs; the female lays eggs inside a cave or under a root and both parents guard the fry. It breeds fairly readily in soft, slightly acidic water when given caves and good food, and fry take newly hatched brine shrimp.

Good to know

Pairs become territorial and can harass other bottom dwellers while breeding, so provide plenty of cover. Part of its range includes slightly brackish coastal waters, but it does well in ordinary fresh water.