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Common krib (Pelvicachromis pulcher) — Cichlidae

Common krib

Pelvicachromis pulcher
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Common krib (Pelvicachromis pulcher) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
11 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Fresh and brackish coastal water of West Africa, especially the Niger delta in Nigeria.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The kribensis is a small, colourful dwarf cichlid from coastal and delta waters of West Africa, especially Nigeria. The species grows to about 11 cm and has a streamlined body with a dark lengthwise stripe; in the breeding season the belly and fins turn bright purplish-red, yellow and bluish. It lives in fresh and slightly brackish water and feeds on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter. The kribensis forms stable pairs and is a cave-spawner: the pair lays the eggs in a cavity and jointly tends the young. The species is a popular aquarium fish and harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Common krib?

The Common krib has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Forms permanent pairs and breeds in cavities; male and female very differently coloured.

Where does the Common krib live?

The Common krib lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh and brackish coastal water of West Africa, especially the Niger delta in Nigeria.

How big does the Common krib get?

The Common krib grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Common krib dangerous to humans?

No, the Common krib is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Common krib edible?

The Common krib is not usually eaten.

More photos

Common krib (Pelvicachromis pulcher) — Cichlidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Tino Strauss (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Common krib (Pelvicachromis pulcher) — Cichlidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Marrabbio2 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Common krib (Pelvicachromis pulcher) — Cichlidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Reinieraukema at Dutch Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Common krib (Pelvicachromis pulcher) — Cichlidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Demir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Common krib verified
Scientific name
Pelvicachromis pulcher
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Kribensis; Pink krib; Purple Cichlid; Rainbow cichlid; Rainbow krib; Tilapia verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Fresh and brackish coastal water of West Africa, especially the Niger delta in Nigeria. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Worms, crustaceans, insects and plant material sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Reproduction coincides with the rainy season; the pair cares for the young in a cavity. inferred
Special features
Forms permanent pairs and breeds in cavities; male and female very differently coloured. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Pelvicachromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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