Mouthbrooding Krib, Guenthe (Chromidotilapia guentheri) — 6-8cm

Overview

The Mouthbrooding Krib, scientifically known as Chromidotilapia guentheri, is a compact, attractive West African cichlid with fascinating biparental mouthbrooding behaviour and manageable care requirements. Available for freshwater fish for sale UK, this species reaches up to 8cm in length and thrives in tanks of at least 120 litres with soft, warm water and excellent filtration. Native to West and Central Africa, the Mouthbrooding Krib is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a rare tropical fish UK with unique breeding strategy and engaging personality.

Appearance

The Mouthbrooding Krib is a medium-sized West African cichlid with a streamlined body and subtle, natural coloration. The body is typically grey to olive with iridescent blue-green highlights along the flanks, and a distinctive dark lateral stripe may be visible depending on mood. The fins are well-developed, and males may display more intense coloration and larger size than females, especially during breeding. Overall, the Mouthbrooding Krib is an understated, elegant fish that fits beautifully into naturalistic West African biotope aquariums and offers fascinating behaviour that sets it apart from typical community fish.

Natural Habitat

Native to West and Central Africa, from Liberia to Equatorial Guinea and Niger, and also reported from Cameroon, the Mouthbrooding Krib inhabits slow-moving rivers, streams, and flooded areas with soft, sandy substrates and plenty of submerged vegetation. The water is typically warm, soft, and slightly acidic, with gentle currents and abundant cover in the form of fallen branches, leaf litter, and aquatic plants. In the wild, these cichlids feed on small invertebrates, insect larvae, and organic matter. Replicating these conditions in the aquarium is essential for the health and well-being of this species.

Aquarium Setup

A minimum tank size of 120 litres is suitable for a pair of Mouthbrooding Kribs. Use a substrate of soft sand or fine gravel, and plant the aquarium with hardy species such as Java fern, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne species. Include driftwood, smooth rocks, and caves to provide hiding places and spawning sites. Provide flat spawning surfaces such as smooth rocks or slate pieces. Use gentle filtration to avoid strong currents, and maintain soft, slightly acidic water with regular small water changes. Subdued lighting will reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour. A well-structured, naturalistic aquarium will bring out the best colours and most confident behaviour in this species.

Feeding

Mouthbrooding Kribs are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet. Offer a varied omnivorous diet of quality cichlid pellets or flakes supplemented with frozen and live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and small insect larvae. Include occasional vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or spirulina-based foods to support digestive health. Feed twice daily in small portions that can be consumed within a few minutes, and vary the diet to ensure balanced nutrition. A varied diet will enhance coloration, support immune function, and encourage natural foraging behaviour.

Behaviour

The Mouthbrooding Krib is a peaceful to semi-aggressive fish that forms strong pair bonds and displays fascinating biparental mouthbrooding behaviour. Both parents may incubate the eggs and fry in their mouths, a rare and remarkable breeding strategy. Pairs can become territorial during spawning, but are generally peaceful outside of breeding periods. They are intelligent and may learn to recognise their keeper, often coming to the front of the tank at feeding time. Mouthbrooding Kribs are active and explore all levels of the aquarium, making them an engaging addition to West African community setups.

Tank Mates

Choose tankmates carefully to ensure compatibility with this peaceful to semi-aggressive cichlid. Suitable companions include other peaceful to mildly robust West African fish of similar size, non-aggressive catfish, and peaceful tetras of appropriate size. Avoid very small fish that may be bullied or eaten, highly aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species, and overly boisterous tankmates. The Mouthbrooding Krib is best kept in peaceful West African community aquariums with carefully chosen tankmates that can handle its semi-aggressive nature during breeding.

Breeding

Mouthbrooding Kribs are biparental mouthbrooders, with pairs forming and both parents incubating the eggs and fry in their mouths. This remarkable breeding strategy is rare in the aquarium and makes the species truly unique. Provide a quiet breeding tank with soft, clean water, flat spawning surfaces, and minimal disturbance. The parents may become more territorial during breeding, so provide plenty of space or consider a species tank. Once the fry are released, they can be raised on newly hatched brine shrimp and finely crushed flakes. Breeding Mouthbrooding Kribs is a rewarding experience that showcases the fascinating parental care strategies of West African cichlids.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

Tropical Fish Co is a trusted supplier of African cichlids for sale UK, offering healthy, well-conditioned Mouthbrooding Kribs sourced from reputable breeders and quarantined for quality assurance. We provide expert guidance on mouthbrooding cichlid care, tank setup, water chemistry, and compatible tankmates to help you create a thriving West African community aquarium. With secure packaging, reliable buy tropical fish UK delivery, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Tropical Fish Co makes it easy to buy rare tropical fish UK with confidence. Whether you're building your first West African community tank or adding to an established collection, our knowledgeable team is here to support your success.