Pelvicachromis sacrimontis (Giant Krib) Care Guide
Pelvicachromis sacrimontis is a robust dwarf cichlid from the Niger and Cross River systems of Nigeria, a biparental cave spawner.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Pelvicachromis sacrimontis is a dwarf cichlid in the family Cichlidae. FishBase records it from the Niger and Cross River systems in the southwestern parts of Nigeria. The genus is known for strong sexual dichromatism, with distinctly coloured males and females.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Pelvicachromis
- Scientific name: Pelvicachromis sacrimontis
Habitat
FishBase classes it as a demersal freshwater fish of tropical waters. Across the genus, Pelvicachromis favours densely vegetated, soft and acidic streams and rivers.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Maximum size: 7.8 cm SL (FishBase); the Aquairi KB lists 10-13 cm overall length
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- Water flow: low
Diet
An omnivore that takes a varied diet in aquaria; small live and frozen foods together with prepared foods are appropriate, in line with related dwarf cichlids.
Compatibility
A semi-aggressive, bottom-dwelling cichlid that defends territory, especially when breeding. It suits robust soft-water companions such as larger Congo tetras and Synodontis nigriventris, and should be kept away from hard-water or aggressive Rift Lake cichlids and smaller dwarf cichlids.
Breeding
FishBase describes it as a monogamous, pair-bonding cave spawner in aquaria. Eggs are guarded by both parents, hatch after about three days, and the fry become free-swimming roughly eight to nine days after hatching, remaining under parental care for five to six weeks.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List status is recorded as Not Evaluated by FishBase.
Pelvicachromis sacrimontis Breeding Guide
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.