Kribensis is one of the few "community-safe" cichlids. Origin: Niger River + delta, soft acidic water. Adult size: 4 inches male, 3 inches female. Diff: beginner. Tank min: 30-gallon long for a single pair. Behavior: peaceful most of the time; pairs become territorial in a 6-inch radius around their cave during spawning. Tankmates that swim mid + upper water (rasboras, tetras, congo tetras) coexist fine. Bottom dwellers: kuhli loaches okay; corydoras stressed during spawning. Color: females develop a brilliant cherry-red belly during breeding - one of the most beautiful displays in freshwater. Diet: high-quality flake + frozen bloodworms + occasional brine shrimp. Breeding: easy. Provide an inverted clay flowerpot or coconut cave; pair will spawn within 4-6 weeks.
Reviewed by the Fast Aquatics husbandry team · Updated May 2026
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