Edit Pelvicachromis subocellatus

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Name

Scientific name

Pelvicachromis subocellatus

Described by

Not recorded

Family

Cichlidae

Common names

Ocellated Kribensis

Photograph credits

All 2 credited

Summary

The ocellated kribensis, Pelvicachromis subocellatus, is a cichlid from Nigeria, Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It inhabits po…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

80mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Not recorded

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 22–26°C, pH 5.5–7.5

Hardness

5–20dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Not recorded

Community suitability

Community-safe

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Angola, DR Congo, Gabon, Republic of the Congo

Writing

Etymology

Not written yet

Distribution

Nigeria, Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Habitat

It inhabits pools and slow moving streams in coastal areas. Some of these habitats contain brackish water.

Aquarium size

24" x 15" x 12" (60x37.5x30cm) - 71 litres is suitable for a single pair.

Maintenance

The tank should contain plenty of hiding places and potential spawning sites. Clay pots and caves, roots and pieces of driftwood can all be used. Plants are no…

Water conditions

Temperature: 22 – 26 °C pH: 5.5-7.5 Hardness: 5-20°H

Diet

It will accept most foods offered but live and frozen varieties should form the bulk of the diet.

Behaviour and compatibility

Recommended for the general community tank but do note that the fish become territorial when breeding. Do not keep with very vigorous or large species as this …

Sexual dimorphism

Male fish are larger than females and develop pointed dorsal and anal fins. Females develop a characteristic pink flush on their flanks when in spawning condit…

Reproduction

Relatively easy. Cave spawner. The fish form monogamous pairs and the best way to obtain such a pair is to buy a group of 6 or more young fish and grow them on…

Relatively easy. Cave spawner. The fish form monogamous pairs and the best way to obtain such a pair is to buy a group of 6 or more young fish and grow them on, allowing pairing to occur naturally. There are no guarantees that simply buying a male and female fish will result in a compatible pair, and it may result in the death of an unwilling partner. If you do choose to buy a single pair, select the largest male and most colourful female from the dealer's tank.

The breeding tank should be set up as above with a temperature of 24 – 26 °C75 – 79 °F and pH 5.5-6.5. Make sure you provide plenty of caves to act as potential spawning sites (upturned clay flowerpots with a small piece of the rim removed work particularly well). Gentle filtration via an air-powered sponge filter or similar is preferable as the fry may be sucked into a power filter. For the best survival rate do not add any other bottom dwelling species, particularly catfish, as these may predate on the fry or eggs. However, dither fish in the form of schools of tetras, rasboras etc. are fine and will make the pair less shy. Condition the adults on a good diet of live, frozen and dried foods.

The first sign that a spawn is likely is an intensifying in the colour of both fish, but especially the female. The middle part of her flanks will darken, becoming deep pink in colour with a black patch at either side, and her dorsal fin becomes very reflective. It is usually she who initiates spawning, dancing in front of the male and displaying her pink sides to entice him to spawn with her. When ready, the pair choose a cave in which to spawn or dig one themselves under a piece of decor. They may also dig a number of shallow depressions in the substrate around the spawning site. During spawning itself up to 200 eggs are usually laid on the roof or wall of the selected cave. The female tends to these while the male defends the territory against intruders. Thus if the female disappears for a few days, this is often a good sign that spawning has occured.

The eggs hatch in 2-3 days with the fry becoming free swimming after 7-8 days. In between the hatching and free swimming stages the brood may be moved between the aforementioned pits or into different caves several times. Once they become free swimming, the female will herd them around the tank while the male continues to defend the territory borders. The pair should now be watched carefully as some females can turn on their partners at this point.

The fry are large enough to accept brine shrimp nauplii or microworm as first foods and will also browse on algae and detritus. They should be left with the parents until signs of the next spawn are seen or the male fish in particular may become aggressive towards his partner.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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DOI

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Title

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Authors

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Year

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Pages

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Notes

This is one of the less commonly seen Pelvicachromis species in the hobby. There are a few morphs available, including "Matadi" and "Moanda". Males and females…

References

No references

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References