Pelvicachromis sacrimontis Breeding Guide

Breeding the giant krib Pelvicachromis sacrimontis, a Nigerian cave-spawning dwarf cichlid with monogamous biparental brood care.

Overview

Pelvicachromis sacrimontis, the giant krib, is endemic to the Niger and Cross River systems of southern Nigeria. Wikipedia gives an adult length of about 10 cm, with males some 15-25% larger than females, and FishBase records a maximum standard length of 7.8 cm. In aquaria it is a monogamous, pair-bonding cave spawner.

Sexing

Males are larger and occur in distinct colour morphs: a yellow morph with yellow cheeks, throat and flanks and a red belly blotch; a red morph with bright red on the lower head, lips, vent and flanks; and a green morph in which greenish areas replace the yellow. Females show no clear morph distinction and carry a bright red belly that pales after spawning. In females the first pelvic-fin ray is shorter or equal to the second, giving the fins a rounder profile.

Conditioning

Condition adults on varied live, frozen and prepared foods to bring the female into the bright-bellied breeding state. A settled, well-fed pair held in soft water is the foundation for a successful spawn in this larger member of the genus.

Breeding Setup

As a cave spawner, the species needs an enclosed spawning site such as a clay pot or pipe within a 150 L or larger tank to suit its size. Soft, slightly acidic water in line with the genus and dim, well-structured surroundings encourage the pair to bond and select a cave.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

The pair bonds monogamously and the female deposits eggs inside the chosen cave. Both parents then guard the clutch. A stable, securely bonded pair in appropriate soft water is the principal trigger for spawning.

Egg & Fry Care

According to FishBase, eggs guarded by both parents hatch after about three days, and the juveniles become free-swimming roughly 8-9 days after spawning. Both parents then guard the offspring for about 5-6 weeks. Free-swimming fry are large enough to take small live foods such as brine shrimp nauplii.

Common Challenges

Because the giant krib is larger and more robust than typical kribs, the breeding tank must give the bonded pair enough space and a properly sized cave. Maintaining soft water and an undisturbed guarding pair through the extended 5-6 week brood-care period is the main requirement for raising the young.