Kribensis

The Kribensis, also known as the Krib or Rainbow Krib, is a colorful dwarf cichlid from West Africa. Despite being a cichlid, these small fish (4 inches max) are peaceful and make excellent community tank residents. They are famous for their beautiful coloration, with males displaying iridescent blue and red fins while females show brilliant cherry-red bellies when ready to spawn. Kribensis are easy to care for, relatively easy to breed, and add a splash of cichlid personality without the aggression. They are perfect for aquarists wanting to try dwarf cichlids in a community setting.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Kribensis are adaptable to various setups:

• Minimum 20 gallons for a pair (30+ recommended)
• 40+ gallons for community with other fish
• Hang-on-back filter with gentle flow
• Heater to maintain 75-82°F
• Sand or fine gravel substrate
• Caves essential (terracotta pots, coconut shells, rock caves)
• Plants: Java Fern, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, Vallisneria
• Driftwood for additional hiding spots

Important: Caves are critical for their well-being. They need secure hiding spots to feel safe.

Water Quality

• Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
• pH: 6.0-8.0 (quite adaptable)
• Water Hardness: Moderate (5-15 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <30 ppm

Maintenance:

• Weekly 20-25% water changes
• They are adaptable to various water conditions
• Soft, acidic water encourages breeding
• Stable parameters are important

Feeding

Kribensis are omnivores and easy to feed:

• Small cichlid pellets or flakes as staple
• Frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
• Live foods: occasional treats (microworms, baby brine)
• Vegetable matter: spirulina flakes

Feeding Schedule: 2 times daily, small portions.

Note: They have small mouths, so offer appropriately-sized food.

Behavior & Compatibility

One of the most peaceful cichlids available:

• Good Tank Mates:

  • Tetras (Cardinal, Neon, Rummy-nose)
  • Corydoras Catfish
  • Rasboras (Harlequin, Galaxy)
  • Small Gouramis (Honey, Dwarf)
  • Small Plecos
  • Danios
  • Other peaceful community fish

• Avoid With:

  • Aggressive cichlids (Convict, Oscar)
  • Fin nippers (Tiger Barbs)
  • Large predatory fish
  • Very large fish that might eat them

Behavior: Generally peaceful but can be territorial around their cave when breeding. Usually only chase fish that enter their immediate territory.

Breeding

Kribensis are prolific and easy breeders:

• Form monogamous pairs
• Cave spawners - lay eggs in caves
• Sexual dimorphism: Females smaller with cherry-red belly when spawning
• Both parents care for eggs and fry
• Eggs: 50-200 depending on female
• Fry care: Parents protect fry intensely in cave

Breeding Behavior:

• Female’s belly turns bright cherry red when ready to spawn
• They become more territorial when breeding but manageable
• Fry can be raised with parents or moved to grow-out tank

Health Considerations

Generally very hardy:

• Ich: Standard treatment works
• Bloat: From overeating or poor quality food
• Fin rot: If water quality declines
• Bacterial infections: Rare with good care

Prevention:

• Maintain good water quality
• Provide varied diet
• Quarantine new fish

Size Considerations

True dwarf cichlids:

• Juvenile size: 1-1.5 inches when purchased
• Mature size: 3-4 inches (females slightly smaller)
• Lifespan: 5-8 years

Appearance

Beautiful coloration for their size:

• Males: Longer fins, iridescent blue with red/yellow accents
• Females: Shorter fins, cherry-red belly when spawning-ready
• Both sexes: Gold to yellow body with black markings
• Dorsal fin: Shows colorful spots and patterns
• Caudal fin: Often displays eye spots

Tank Maintenance

• Weekly 20-25% water changes
• Regular filter maintenance
• Keep caves clean but don’t disturb during breeding
• Monitor plant health
• Watch for breeding behavior

Tips for Success

• Provide multiple caves for hiding and breeding
• Keep in pairs or small groups (one male, multiple females)
• Feed varied diet for best colors
• Choose appropriate community tankmates
• Watch for the female’s cherry-red belly - sign of spawning readiness
• They appreciate soft, acidic water for breeding
• Fry can be raised with parents initially
• Longer caves are better than wide ones for spawning

Varieties

• Standard Kribensis: Gold body with red and blue fins
• Albino Kribensis: Pinkish-white body with red eyes
• Color Variations: Different regional populations show varying colors