Introduction
Most aquarists are familiar with the Common Krib
(Pelvicachromis pulcher). Kribs are beautiful little cichlids
and are, quite rightly, popular fish; but there are other members of
the genus that are equally nice. One such species is P. taeniatus
which comes in various geographical colour morphs; each named after
a local town. The
variety discussed here is "Moliwe".
Distribution & Availability
A West African cichlid found in the rivers from
Benin, eastwards through Nigeria and into Cameroon. P. taeniatus
is not normally found for sale in shops though you may be able to
get them ordered. Available sporadically by mail order and
reasonably common amongst hobbyists.
Description
Males - noticeably smaller than P.
pulcher with a maximum size of 9cm. The caudal fin is
rounded and may have several eye spots. The scales have dark edges
giving the body an attractive fishnet appearance. The dorsal and
anal fins have long extensions and the anal fin is a delightful
shade of pink.
Females - up to 7cm. Equally as colourful
as the male with a more distinct horizontal stripe. A beautiful
bronze sheen dominates the upper half of female 'Moliwe'. Females
have a plumper,
purple belly and rounder pelvic fins which are held close to the
body.
Requirements
An easy fish to care for and entirely suitable
for a planted community tank of peaceful fish. 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: 6-8
Hardness: not critical, 2-12odH
Feeding
Feed a variety of flake and frozen food. Offer a
treat of live food once or twice a week.
Breeding
These fish breed easily and will breed in a
community tank. For best results condition on live and frozen foods
and give them their own 60cm tank. 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 they will spawn in a
cave and the female will guard the brood. The pair may fight so
remove the male if this occurs. Parental care is of a high standard.
Fry can be fed on microworm and newly hatched
brine shrimp. Growth is fast and the fry should be ready to move on
at around 6 months.
USA Show standards
Size: Males 9cm, females 7cm
Breeding category:
D
Show class: DC.
Summary
P. taeniatus has all the advantages of
P. pulcher in that it is small, colourful, peaceful and easy to
breed. It
deserves to be more popular.
References
Baensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1982):
Aquarium Atlas
Fishbase
species summary
Personal observation
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