Striped kribensis - Pelvicachromis taeniatus

Scientific name: Pelvicachromis taeniatus

Common name: Striped kribensis

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 9 cm (3.15 - 3.54 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.4 - 7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 13°N (89.29 - 232.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 21 - 25 °C (69.8 - 77°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Striped kribensis will accept all foods offered. Use a quality flake intermittently as the bulk of their diet should consist of live or frozen foods. Blood worms and brine shrimp are ideal and they will also accept some vegetable matter.

Origin

Africa; Striped kribensis are found in the waterways of Cameroon and Nigeria.

Sexing

Males will be larger than the females with pointed dorsal and anal fins. In breeding condition, the females will develop a pink colouration around their flanks.

Breeding

Breeding Striped kribensis is very easy if you provide the right conditions. They are cave spawners so add plenty of potential spawning sites in the form of upturned plant pots. Both fish will colour up prior to spawning and the female will display in front of the male to initiate the act. The eggs are laid on the roof of the cave and in 2-3 days the fry will hatch. 5-6 fays later they will be free swimming and can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or micro worms.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Pelvicachromis taeniatus is 5 years.

Short description

Pelvicachromis taeniatus need to be kept in pairs and do well in a community tank but they will become territorial during spawning. Keep them with similar sized fish as they can be nervous with larger tank mates.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.