Striped Kribensis is a type of cichlid fish found in Benin and Nigeria. It’s sometimes kept as an aquarium pet and lives in soft-water rivers.
There are different color varieties of Striped Kribensis, depending on where they’re from, like “Nigerian red” or “Moliwe.”
In the past, some Cameroonian populations were thought to be part of this species too.
However, a 2014 study showed that Cameroon populations are actually two different species: Pelvicachromis kribensis and Pelvicachromis drachenfelsi.
The three species (P. kribensis, P. drachenfelsi, and P. taeniatus) are closely related and form a group within the Pelvicachromis genus called the “P. taeniatus group.”
For keeping this fish in an aquarium, it’s best to have it in pairs with at least 80 cm (31 inches) of tank size to live comfortably.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Striped Kribensis Interesting Facts
- Striped Kribensis’ are native to Benin and Nigeria.
- Different color varieties, like “Nigerian red” or “Moliwe,” exist.
- A 2014 study revealed Cameroon populations as separate species: P. kribensis and P. drachenfelsi.
- In aquariums, they require at least 31 inches of tank space for a pair.
Striped Kribensis Habitat
Striped Kribensis is found in Africa, specifically from eastern Benin to Nigeria. It lives in freshwater areas near the coast, including the Niger Delta.
Some sightings in Cameroon and Bioko are actually of Pelvicachromis kribensis.
Striped Kribensis prefers living near the bottom of water bodies with a pH range between 6.0 to 8.0, and a hardness (dH) range between 5 to 12.
It thrives at temperatures between 72°F to 77°F (22°C to 25°C).
Striped Kribensis is typically found in tropical regions around latitude lines from 10°N to the equator (0°N).
| Water Temperature: | 72°F to 77°F (22°C to 25°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 12 dH |
Striped Kribensis Physical Characteristics
Size: 2.8 inches (7.1 centimeters)
Striped Kribensis is a small cichlid species, growing up to 2.8 inches (7.1 centimeters) long. This fish has a rounded head and noticeable differences in appearance between males and females.
Males have unique coloration in their caudal fin, with a white or yellow upper half featuring black dots, while the lower half has a black margin and a white or pale blue submargin.
Females have two to three horizontal dark bars on their caudal fins.
Striped Kribensis differs from others due to its characteristics such as a shorter caudal peduncle, lesser body depth, unique color patterns in the male’s caudal fin, rounded dorsal head profile, and infraorbital bone series with three additional tubular bones.
Both males and females display pale brown to grayish-brown colors on their bodies.
Males often exhibit bright colors like reds, blues, yellows, and greens around their fins and body parts during mating periods.
Females usually show red belly areas and whitish-yellow flanks.
Young ones of both genders start showing gender-specific coloration as they grow larger than 10 to 12 mm standard length.
Striped Kribensis Reproduction
Striped Kribensis lays its eggs in caves and looks after them.
It also lays eggs in small spaces, cracks, under roots, bark pieces, and big leaves.
Striped Kribensis Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Pelvicachromis |
| Scientific Name: | Pelvicachromis taeniatus |
| Also Known As: | Striped Kribensis |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |