Pelvicachromis taeniatus – Striped Kribensis
Pelvicachromis taeniatus or Striped Kribensis can reach a length of about 8.5 centimeters. The females remain slightly smaller. This beautiful dwarf cichlid has very beautiful colors and is related to Pelvicachromis pulcher or Kribensis. The females are usually slightly more beautiful and brightly colored than the males.
Just like its cousin Pelvicachromis pulcher, Pelvicachromis taeniatus has seen many names. No longer valid synonyms include: Pelmatochromis taeniatus, Pelmatochromis kribensis, Pelviacachromis kribensis, Pelmatochromis calliptera, Pelmatochromis klugei, Pelmatochromis kribensis klugei, Pelmatochromis pulcher klugei, Pelmatochromis taeniatus klugei.
Origin
Benin, Eastern Nigeria.
The Aquarium
For Pelvicachromis taeniatus you need an aquarium of at least 1 meter. Give the aquarium dimmed lighting. Also, provide some shade with dense plants and make sufficient hiding places with stones or half coconuts. It is best to use sand for the bottom, which they use to rinse their gills. They like dim lighting and weak to moderate currents.
Water parameters
Temperature: 25-28 degrees Celsius.
PH: 6-7
GH: 8-17
Diet
In the wild, Pelvicachromis taeniatus feeds on small food particles that they find among the sediment, roots and leaves. These particles are mainly vegetable with some animal food occasionally.
In the aquarium, the majority of the food must therefore be vegetable, such as spirulina flakes and, for example, granules for herbivores. Live or frozen food such as Daphnia and brine shrimp can be given occasionally. We advise not to give them red mosquito larvae, mysis or tubifex. The intestinal tract of herbivores is not very resistant to this, which can cause them to die.
Character
It is best to keep this dwarf cichlid as a couple. If you keep more than one couple, problems will arise. They are peaceful fish and can be kept together with most other fish species, except bottom dwellers. They chase away bottom dwellers when they fiercely defend their territory during the mating season. They swim in all water layers.
Breeding
Breeding Pelvicachromis taeniatus is quite easy if you have a well-matched pair. It is best to transfer them to a separate breeding tank. Their colors are even more beautiful during courtship. They are cave breeders and lay about 100 to 200 eggs that hatch after 2 to 3 days. The female defends the nest. The young can be reared with brine shrimp nauplii and cyclops.
Video
Author
Coby – J. de Lange
Copyright images
Daragh Owens