矛耙丽鱼 · Kribensis

Overview

The familiar West African cichlid Pelvicachromis pulcher is manageable in size and readily bred. Farmed stock generally tolerates a broader range of water chemistry than wild fish. Its normally retiring behavior changes when a pair defends eggs or fry.

Distribution & habitat

Native to Nigeria and Cameroon, it uses shallow, still or slow-flowing water with abundant vegetation. Some populations also occur in brackish environments.

Aquarium setup

Offer several shelters and spawning choices using pots, caves, roots, and driftwood. Plants provide extra cover. Sand or fine gravel accommodates excavation. More than one pair needs substantially more floor space and separate areas. Gentle filtration prevents small fry from being drawn into powerful intakes.

Diet & feeding

Most foods are accepted. A good cichlid pellet can serve as the staple, supplemented regularly with live and frozen foods for variety.

Behaviour & compatibility

Peaceful small companions can work, but very large or forceful fish may intimidate it. Other cichlids require room to establish independent territories. Breeding pairs defend their brood actively, while bottom-dwelling companions may take eggs or fry. Assess compatibility again when spawning begins.

Sexual dimorphism

Males grow larger and develop pointed dorsal, tail, and anal fins. Females have rounder bodies and a conspicuous purple belly in breeding condition.

Breeding

Allow a group of at least six juveniles to pair naturally. An arbitrarily selected male and female may be incompatible, with potentially serious aggression. Multiple caves, varied food, and a calm setting usually support easy spawning. Around pH 6.5–7.0 tends to give a more balanced sex ratio; more alkaline conditions may favor males, while greater acidity may favor females.

The female often initiates courtship by displaying her purple abdomen. Eggs are attached inside a chosen or excavated cave, usually on its roof or wall. A clutch may reach about 300. The female attends it and the male guards nearby. Hatching takes roughly two or three days, with free swimming around seven or eight days. Parents lead the fry and sometimes retrieve stragglers in their mouths.

Brine shrimp nauplii and microworms suit newly swimming fry, which also browse algae and detritus. Monitor the adults for partner aggression. Young normally remain with them until signs of another spawning develop.

Notes

Most aquarium stock is captive bred, and an albino form is available. The adaptability of farmed fish should not be assumed for every wild population.