Albino Red Kribensis (Pelvicachromis pulcher)

Albino Red Kribensis care

The Albino Red Kribensis is a pale gold and warm red aquarium form of Pelvicachromis pulcher, the West African kribensis cichlid. It keeps the manageable size and cave-spawning behaviour that make kribs popular, but with a softer albino body colour and red highlights that stand out in planted aquariums.

This is an in-stock live fish listing for the 4-5 cm and 6-7 cm size options shown above. The supplier trade name is Common Krib Albin, Dwarf Rainbow, and the key search names are Albino Red Kribensis, albino kribensis, red kribensis and Pelvicachromis pulcher.

Aquarium size and layout

Plan an established aquarium of about 80 litres or larger for a pair, with more floor space if you are keeping other bottom-level fish. FishBase records aquarium keeping for Pelvicachromis pulcher in pairs and gives an 80 cm minimum aquarium reference, which matches the way this species uses caves and territories rather than only open swimming space.

Use sand or smooth fine gravel, driftwood, plants and several caves. Coconut shells, ceramic caves, rock arches and root tangles all work well. Add more than one cave so a pair can choose a site without forcing every other fish into the same corner.

Water parameters

The Petra record for this exact SKU gives 23-25°C, pH 6.0-7.8, 0-25 dGH and an adult size around 10 cm. FishBase also supports a broad pH range around 5-8 and hardness around 5-19 dH for the species. For home aquariums, aim for warm, clean, stable water rather than chasing extremes.

A mature filter, steady water changes and low stress matter more than constant adjustment. Avoid sharp swings in pH or temperature, and keep nitrate under control before adding new fish.

Temperament and tank mates

Kribensis are peaceful for dwarf cichlids, but they are still cichlids. A bonded pair may defend a cave strongly, especially if eggs or fry are present. Good tank mates are calm, similarly sized community fish that use different parts of the aquarium, such as suitable tetras, rasboras, small barbs, peaceful livebearers or upper-water dither fish.

Avoid mixing them with very aggressive cichlids, tiny fry-sized fish, delicate long-finned fish, or other cave-spawning dwarf cichlids in a small tank. If you want to keep more than one pair, use a much larger aquarium with clear territory breaks.

Feeding

Feed a varied omnivore diet. Quality small cichlid granules or flakes make a good base, with frozen foods such as brine shrimp, cyclops, daphnia and bloodworm used in rotation. Vegetable matter is useful too, because wild Pelvicachromis pulcher feed on algae, plant material and detritus as well as small invertebrates.

Breeding behaviour

This is a cave-spawning substrate brooder. When a pair settles, the female often becomes more intense in colour, the pair guards a chosen cave, and both parents may help defend the fry. That behaviour is fascinating, but it also means the aquarium needs escape routes and enough cover for tank mates.

Delivery and guarantee

When ordered, your Albino Red Kribensis is packed for UK live-fish courier delivery with insulation and oxygenated bags as needed. Livestock orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee, and first-time customers can use WELCOME10 where the current promotion applies.