Introduction
Pelvicachromis subocellatus is another of
the beautiful little cichlids
from West Africa that are overshadowed somewhat by the common krib (P.
pulcher). There are a couple of varieties available; this
article is based on the less common "Moanda" rather than the more
well known "Matadi".
Distribution & Availability
P. subocellatus is found in the rivers from
Libreville (Gabon), eastwards and south to the western parts of The
Democratic Republic of Congo. Unfortunately P. subocellatus
is rarely found for sale in shops. Your best bet is mail order or
from fellow hobbyists. Sometimes listed as Yellow-cheeked krib or
Ocellated krib.
Description
Males - much smaller than the common krib
at around 8cm maximum size. The body shape is rather slender while
the head is rounded. The front of the body and all of the head is
yellow, fading to brown over the middle and rear of the body. A
broad dark horizontal stripe may be visible depending on mood. The
male's caudal fin is
slightly rhomboid and divided in two, the lower half is covered in
subtle vertical stripes while the upper half is clear with a pink
edge. The rest of the unpaired fins are like the lower part of the
caudal.
Females - up to 6cm. Rather similar to the
male but less slender. The caudal fin is rounder and the pelvic
fins are rounded in the manner of all the females in this genus.
Females exhibit a dramatic colour change when breeding. The belly
becomes a brilliant pink surrounded by silver and black whilst the
silver on the dorsal fin intensifies. The head is canary yellow.
Altogether a stunning little fish.
Requirements
Needs slightly more specialised conditions than
the common krib but is by no means a difficult fish to keep. Just
make sure the water quality is first rate and the pH and hardness
are kept low. Suitable
for a planted community tank of peaceful, soft water fish. Again, although peaceful
they are still cichlids at heart so one pair per tank only.
Tank size: 90cm minimum
Decoration: hiding places constructed from
slate, bogwood and plants
Temperature: 22-25oC
pH: 6-7
Hardness: 2-10odH
Feeding
Feed a variety of flake and frozen food. Offer a
treat of live food once or twice a week.
Breeding
These fish breed fairly readily if the
conditions are to their liking. Condition on live and frozen foods,
ensuring their is plenty vegetable matter around for them to graze
on. A mature tank with a good growth of algae is ideal. Decorate the tank with wood and
rocks, make sure there are plenty hiding places. Provide one or two
pots for spawning.
As with P. pulcher and P. taeniatus they will spawn in a
cave and the female will guard the brood. They seem to be less
likely to fight but you may need to
remove the male if this occurs. Parental care, as with all the fish
in this genus is of a high standard.
Fry can be fed on microworm and newly hatched
brine shrimp. Growth is fast and the fry will be ready to move on
at around 4-6 months.
USA Show standards
Size: Males 9.5cm, females 7cm
Breeding category:
C
Show class: DC
Summary
P. subocellatus is another under-rated
fish. It is beautiful and peaceful and only slightly more difficult
than
P. pulcher to keep and breed. A perfect fish for the
intermediate hobbyist. If you can get them that is.
References
Baensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1982):
Aquarium Atlas
Fishbase
species summary
Anton Lamboj:
The Cichlid Fishes of Western Africa
Personal observation
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