Pelvicachromis rubrolabiatus Breeding Guide
Breeding the Red-Lipped Krib (Pelvicachromis rubrolabiatus), a Guinean dwarf cichlid that spawns in caves and raises fry biparentally in soft, acidic water.
Overview
Pelvicachromis rubrolabiatus is a krib native to the Kolente River basin in Guinea, where it lives in soft, acidic, forest-shaded streams. Described in 2004, it is a comparatively recent addition to the genus and grows larger than most Pelvicachromis, showing about seven dark vertical bars on the body. The species name comes from Latin rubrum (red) and labia (lip), referring to the red lips of mature males. It is reported as a fairly hostile species and has been bred in captivity.
Sexing
Males carry the diagnostic red lips and tend to be longer and more streamlined, with more pointed fins. As in other kribs, females are rounder and plumper, and a ripe female develops a reddish belly flush. These differences become most obvious as a pair comes into breeding condition.
Conditioning
This is an omnivore that needs both green and meaty foods. A varied diet built around quality dried foods supplemented with live and frozen items conditions adults for spawning. Soft, acidic water should be maintained throughout the conditioning period.
Breeding Setup
- Water: soft, with pH kept below 6.0 for this species.
- Décor: enclosed caves (a half coconut shell or rock cave) where eggs can be laid on the roof or wall.
- Layout: planting and broken sightlines to ease the courtship aggression noted for kribs.
- Stocking: a single compatible pair in their own territory.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Pelvicachromis are monogamous, pair-bonding cave spawners. The pair selects a cave and the eggs are deposited on its roof or wall. Soft, acidic water and a secure cave are the key triggers. Courtship can be aggressive, so a cave entrance sized to admit the female helps reduce conflict.
Egg & Fry Care
Both parents care for the brood: the female does most of the egg-fanning inside the cave while the male defends the surrounding territory, the parents taking turns to feed. After hatching the fry are moved to safe spots and shepherded as a group; tiny first foods such as newly hatched brine shrimp and powdered foods are appropriate once they are free-swimming and foraging.
Common Challenges
The species is rare in the hobby and reported as fairly hostile, so managing pair aggression and providing genuinely soft, acidic water are the principal hurdles. Stable parameters and adequate cover give settled pairs the best chance of raising a full brood.