Pelvicachromis roloffi (Roloff's Krib) Care Guide
Pelvicachromis roloffi is a small West African dwarf cichlid from Guinea and Liberia, a soft-water cave spawner reaching about 8 cm.
Overview
Pelvicachromis roloffi is a small West African dwarf cichlid in the family Cichlidae. According to FishBase it occurs from the River Kolenté (Great Scarcies) in Guinea to western Liberia, inhabiting acidic, soft waters. Members of the genus show marked sexual dichromatism, with males and females developing different colours.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Pelvicachromis
- Scientific name: Pelvicachromis roloffi
Habitat
FishBase records the species as a benthopelagic freshwater fish of smaller rivers and creeks and of shallow waters near the banks of larger rivers. Across the genus, Pelvicachromis favours densely vegetated, soft and acidic waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (per Aquairi KB); FishBase notes 24-26 °C
- pH: 6.0-7.5 (Aquairi KB); FishBase pH 5.9-7.0
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 8 cm TL (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
- Water flow: low
Diet
The species is omnivorous and accepts a varied diet in aquaria. As with related dwarf cichlids, a mix of small live and frozen foods alongside prepared foods is appropriate.
Compatibility
A peaceful, bottom-oriented dwarf cichlid that becomes territorial around its spawning cave. It is best kept with calm soft-water companions such as small West African tetras and Synodontis nigriventris, and away from hard-water or aggressive Rift Lake cichlids.
Breeding
FishBase describes P. roloffi as a pair-bonding cave spawner that spawns in caves. As in the genus, monogamous pairs form and both parents guard eggs and fry.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 09 November 2019), per FishBase.