Albino Kribensis – Pelvicachromis pulcher var.

Albino Kribensis (Pelvicachromis pulcher var.)

The Albino Kribensis is a colourful captive-bred form of the popular West African dwarf cichlid, admired for its pale body colour, red eyes, warm belly tones and excellent breeding behaviour. This small cichlid is hardy, characterful and well suited to mature community aquariums with caves, plants and peaceful tankmates. Although generally manageable, it is still a cichlid and can become territorial, especially when a pair forms or when breeding.

Common Name:
Albino Kribensis, Albino Krib, Kribensis Cichlid, Rainbow Krib, Purple Cichlid

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pelvicachromis pulcher var.

Strain / Form:
Albino captive-bred colour form

Maximum Size:
Approximately 8–10 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Wild Pelvicachromis pulcher are native to West Africa, including parts of Nigeria and Cameroon.

In the wild, they are associated with slow-moving streams, still waters, vegetated margins, shaded areas and habitats with roots, leaf litter, caves and natural shelter.

The Albino Kribensis is a captive-bred aquarium strain rather than a wild colour form, but it still benefits from a well-structured aquarium with caves, plants, wood and calm areas.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low and stable
Flow: Gentle to moderate preferred

Temperament:
Semi-aggressive / Territorial when breeding

Albino Kribensis are generally peaceful for a cichlid, but pairs can become territorial around caves and spawning sites.

They are best kept with peaceful but confident community fish that will not harass them or invade their breeding cave.

If breeding occurs, both parents may guard the eggs and fry strongly.

Diet:
Omnivore / Dwarf Cichlid Diet

Albino Kribensis are easy to feed and accept a varied diet.

Offer quality tropical flakes, small cichlid pellets, micro granules and fine sinking foods as the staple diet.

Supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, brineshrimp, daphnia, cyclops, mosquito larvae and finely chopped meaty foods.

Some vegetable-based foods or spirulina foods can also be included for variety.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 75 litres for a compatible pair

Larger aquariums are recommended for community setups, groups of juveniles or tanks with multiple territories.

Provide caves, coconut shells, wood, plants and visual barriers to help reduce territorial disputes.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Albino Kribensis spends much of its time close to the lower and middle areas of the aquarium.

Pairs often choose a cave or sheltered area and may dig slightly around the entrance.

This species is a cave-spawning cichlid, with both parents often showing strong parental care once eggs or fry are present.

Community Suitability:
Semi-Aggressive Community Fish

The Albino Kribensis is suitable for mature, carefully planned community aquariums.

Suitable tankmates include peaceful tetras, rasboras, danios, small barbs, corydoras with care, bristlenose plecos, rainbowfish, livebearers in suitable water and other calm community fish.

Avoid aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, very tiny fish, delicate shrimp, slow timid bottom dwellers and any fish likely to enter or disturb the breeding cave.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Keep in a mature aquarium with stable water quality and plenty of cover.

Provide at least one cave per pair, with extra hiding places if keeping them in a community aquarium.

Avoid bright, bare aquariums, as cover helps reduce stress.

Do not overcrowd the bottom of the tank, as Kribensis use caves and lower-level territories.

Pairs can become protective when breeding, so tankmates should have enough space to avoid the territory.

Albino forms may appear more sensitive to bright lighting, so shaded areas, plants and floating cover are useful.

Regular water changes and low nitrate will help maintain colour, breeding condition and long-term health.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate

Availability:
Common to occasional, depending on supplier, size and colour form.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.