All fish / Cichlidae

Humilis Kribensis

Wallaceochromis humilis

Also known as pelvicachromis humilis, humilis, kasewe, kenema, assinie humilis, dwarf humilis cichlid, pelvicachromis roloffi humilis

This is a West African dwarf cichlid. It was formerly placed in Pelvicachromis and is now the type species of Wallaceochromis. It is a bit larger and stockier than the common kribensis, and there are several regional forms named after where they were collected, such as Kasewe and Kenema. Breeding fish show yellow, red and dark barred colours. Hobbyists keep it for its striking colour and its interesting care of its young.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

5 to 6.8

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

One pair, or a male with one or two females

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia (coastal West African rivers)

Breeding

It spawns in caves. The female guards the eggs, and both parents protect the shoal of fry. Breeding is fairly easy in soft, acidic water with plenty of caves, and the water chemistry is known to affect what proportion of the fry turn out male or female.

Good to know

It becomes territorial and aggressive when breeding, so avoid other bottom-dwelling cichlids in small tanks. Keep each locality form separate and do not cross them with other Pelvicachromis.