Pelvicachromis rubrolabiatus Care Guide
Pelvicachromis rubrolabiatus is a Guinean dwarf cichlid with red-lipped males. It is a soft-water cave spawner suited to planted West African setups.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Pelvicachromis rubrolabiatus is a West African dwarf cichlid described in 2004. The species name refers to the red lips of males. It belongs to the kribensis genus Pelvicachromis, a group of soft-water cave spawners. Females develop a pinkish belly when in condition.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Pelvicachromis
- Scientific name: Pelvicachromis rubrolabiatus
- Described: Lamboj, 2004
Habitat
The species is native to the Kolente River basin in Guinea, where it inhabits soft, acidic waterways flowing through forested areas. These streams are shaded and have gentle flow, and the fish do not appreciate vigorous water movement or harsh lighting.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (a 90 cm tank is recommended for a pair)
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.0 (soft, below 6.0 favoured)
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Decor: caves and a sand or fine gravel substrate
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Diet
The species is an omnivore and needs both green and meaty foods in its diet. A mix of quality prepared foods, frozen invertebrates and some vegetable matter is suitable. Feeding twice daily in modest amounts works well.
Compatibility
This species is more placid than relatives such as P. humilis and P. signatus, though it can become aggressive when spawning. It mixes well with tetras from the same region and can be kept in a carefully chosen community. Hard-water Rift-lake cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
Like other Pelvicachromis, the species is a cave spawner that forms monogamous pairs. Both sexes tend the fry, with the female performing most of the egg-fanning. A sand or fine gravel substrate allows the pair to excavate pits while breeding.
Pelvicachromis rubrolabiatus Breeding Guide
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.