Pelvicachromis humilis Care Guide
Pelvicachromis humilis is the largest kribensis, a West African soft-water cichlid from Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia and a pair-bonded cave spawner.
Overview
Pelvicachromis humilis is among the largest members of the kribensis genus Pelvicachromis. Males are larger and have pointed dorsal and anal fins, while females are rounder in body shape. The species is a West African soft-water cave spawner.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Pelvicachromis
- Scientific name: Pelvicachromis humilis
- Described: Boulenger, 1916
Habitat
The species is found in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. As with other members of the genus, it occupies soft, acidic waters. A standard length of around 12.5 cm is recorded for the species.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 110 L for a single pair
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 5.0-7.0
- GH: 5-12 °dGH
- Decor: caves for spawning
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
Live and frozen foods should form a significant portion of the diet, with dried foods also accepted. Vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or spirulina flakes should be included. The species is an omnivore.
Compatibility
The species is more resilient than some relatives but is unsuitable with very vigorous or large fish. It is compatible with larger tetras, loricariids and African butterfly fish. It is aggressive towards conspecifics, so only a single pair should be kept unless the tank is very large.
Breeding
The species is a cave spawner that forms monogamous pairs. Eggs hatch in two to three days, and fry become free-swimming after seven to eight days. Breeding is noted as less easy than in some other members of the genus.