Pelvicachromis subocellatus (Eye-Spot Krib) Care Guide
Pelvicachromis subocellatus is a dwarf cichlid from coastal Gabon to the lower Congo, a cave-spawning substrate brooder tolerant of slightly brackish water.
Overview
Pelvicachromis subocellatus is a dwarf cichlid in the family Cichlidae. FishBase records it from coastal areas from Libreville (Gabon) to the lower Congo (Moanda), noting that Nigerian reports need confirmation. The genus shows pronounced sexual dichromatism.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Pelvicachromis
- Scientific name: Pelvicachromis subocellatus
Habitat
FishBase classifies the species as a demersal fish of freshwater and brackish habitats. Living in coastal lowland systems, it tolerates a wider hardness range than most congeners.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (Aquairi KB); FishBase notes 22-26 °C
- pH: 6.0-7.0 (Aquairi KB); FishBase pH 6.0-8.0
- GH: 2-12 °dGH (Aquairi KB); FishBase dH 5-19
- Maximum size: 5.3 cm SL (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
- Water flow: low
Diet
An omnivore that accepts a varied diet in aquaria, including small live and frozen foods alongside prepared foods, in line with related dwarf cichlids.
Compatibility
A peaceful, bottom-oriented cichlid that becomes territorial near its breeding cave. It suits calm soft-water companions such as small West African tetras and Synodontis nigriventris, and should be kept away from hard-water or aggressive Rift Lake cichlids.
Breeding
FishBase describes P. subocellatus as a pair-bonding, cave-spawning substrate brooder that spawns in caves. Both members of the pair tend the eggs and fry.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 17 October 2019), per FishBase.