Giant Kribensis (Pelvicachromis sacrimontis)

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Giant Kribensis
Pelvicachromis sacrimontis
Giant Kribensis (Pelvicachromis sacrimontis)
Name Giant Kribensis
Name Lat. Pelvicachromis sacrimontis
Synonym Pelvicachromis pulcher 'Nigeria-Red'
Family Cichlids
Family lat. Cichlidae
Order Cichlids
Order lat. Cichliformes
Origin Nigeria
Habitat Streams
Diet Omnivore
pH 6.0-7.5
Behavior Semi-aggressive
Keeping Pair
Care Level Moderate
Reproduction Cave spawner
Breeding Simple
Life Span 3-5 years
Protection No
Metric Units
Size 8-10 cm
Temperature 24-25 °C
Hardness 5-15 °dH
Aquarium ~ 150 l
US Units
Size 3"-4"
Temperature 75-77 °F
Hardness 89-267 ppm
Aquarium ~ 40 gal

Distribution and habitat

The Red King Cichlids are found in the Niger and Cross River estuaries in southern Nigeria. They live in stagnant or slow-flowing waters, such as jungle streams and pools, with dense underwater vegetation

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with many hiding places, such as stones, roots and caves (e.g. halved coconuts) and offer free swimming space. Soft, slightly acidic water and a dark substrate of sand or gravel covered with some foliage (sea almond leaves) is ideal.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

The food supply consists of dry, live and frozen food. For a balanced diet, feed at least once daily with a high quality sinking dry food for cichlids (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, Artemia mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen). In addition, they need plant food, such as algae leaves, algae wafers, scalded leafy and wild vegetables or dry food with high vegetable content (spirulina).

Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

The quiet, somewhat shy fish form solid pairs and defend their territory very emphatically during the spawning season. Keeping several pairs is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. They can be well socialized with not too lively fish.

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature may be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

The male is larger, more colorful and has much longer, pointed fins. The female, which is smaller and rounder, shows an intense red-purple colored belly during the spawning season.

Reproduction and breeding

They are cave breeders and attach the spawn, 150-200 eggs, usually to the cave ceiling or walls. The female performs brood care, while the male defends the territory (parental family). The fry hatch after 2-3 days and swim free after 7-8 days. Both parents continue to guard the fry for some time and lead them to feeding sites in the aquarium before brood care ends

Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.

Important

The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and is a valuable secondary food source (detritus). The addition of peat extract or filtering through peat promotes well-being and increases the color intensity of the animals.

The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Werner Winter; Image: Anton Lamboj

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

  • Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF