What is the difference between Dehane and other P. taeniatus varieties?

Pelvicachromis taeniatus has multiple locality variants, each named after their collection region — Dehane, Nigerian Green, Nigerian Red, Molive, Lobe, and others. Each displays unique colour patterns and markings, though care requirements are identical.

How do you breed Pelvicachromis taeniatus Dehane?

Provide caves or coconut shells as spawning sites. A bonded pair will spawn inside the cave, with the female guarding the eggs while the male patrols the territory. Both parents guard the free-swimming fry. Breeding is straightforward in established pairs.

Can I keep Dehane Kribensis in a community tank?

Yes — they are peaceful community fish that coexist well with tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and other non-aggressive species. They only become territorial when guarding a spawning site or fry, and even then, aggression is mild.

How can I tell male from female P. taeniatus?

Males are slightly larger with more elongated dorsal and anal fins. Females are smaller with a rounder belly that develops vivid colours (often purple or red) when in breeding condition. Females typically show more intense colouration overall.

Pelvicachromis taeniatus

Pelvicachromis Taeniatus Dehane - Beautifully Coloured West African Dwarf Cichlid

Name: Pelvicachromis Taeniatus Dehane - Beautifully Coloured West African Dwarf Cichlid
Brand: Tropical Fish Co
SKU: N005
Price: 12.99 GBP
Availability: PreOrder

Beginner Friendly

Peaceful

£12.99In Stock

The Pelvicachromis taeniatus Dehane is a beautifully coloured locality variant of the Striped Kribensis from West Africa. The Dehane form displays stunning horizontal banding with vivid belly colouration in females, particularly when breeding. An excellent choice for planted community tanks, this peaceful dwarf cichlid pairs bond strongly and both parents guard their fry — a joy to observe in the home aquarium.

African Dwarf CichlidCave SpawnerCommunity CichlidPelvicachromis Taeniatus Dehanesite:tropical-fish-coStriped KribensisWest African Cichlid

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Pelvicachromis taeniatus

Adult Size

8 cm

Lifespan

5 years

Care Level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Temperature

24–28°C

pH Range

6–7.5

Hardness

5–15 dGH

Minimum Tank

80L

Diet

Flakes, pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp

Water Parameters

Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors

Temperature

24–28°C

24°CIdeal Range28°C

pH Level

6–7.5

6Ideal Range7.5

Water Hardness

5–15 dGH

5 dGHIdeal Range15 dGH

The Pelvicachromis taeniatus «Dehane» is a beautifully coloured locality variant of the Striped Kribensis from West Africa. The Dehane form is one of several geographical colour variants of P. taeniatus, each displaying subtly different patterning and colouration. Females develop particularly vivid belly colours when breeding, making established pairs a stunning centrepiece in planted aquariums.

Care at a Glance

Parameter	Value
Scientific Name	Pelvicachromis taeniatus
Family	Cichlidae
Origin	West Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon)
Care Level	Easy
Temperament	Peaceful
Adult Size	8 cm
Minimum Tank	80 litres
Temperature	24 – 28 °C
pH	6.0 – 7.5
Hardness	5 – 15 dGH
Diet	Flakes, pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp
Lifespan	Up to 5 years

Origin & Natural Habitat

Pelvicachromis taeniatus is found across West Africa in Nigeria and Cameroon, where different river systems have produced distinct locality variants — each with unique colour patterns. The Dehane form originates from the Dehane area and is prized for its particular combination of banding and belly colour. In the wild, it inhabits slow-moving forest streams with sandy or muddy substrates.

Tank Setup

Provide at least 80 litres with caves, coconut shells, or clay pots for spawning sites. Maintain 24 to 28 °C, pH 6.0 to 7.5, hardness 5 to 15 dGH. Dense planting with open sandy areas replicates their natural habitat. Subdued lighting brings out the best colouration. Provide at least two cave options per pair.

Feeding Guide

Omnivorous; feed quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. A varied diet ensures the best colouration, particularly in breeding females. Feed 2-3 times daily in small portions.

Compatible Tank Mates

Peaceful community fish; excellent with tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and Otocinclus. Other P. taeniatus locality variants make fascinating comparisons — see our Nigerian Green Taeniatus and Nigerian Red Taeniatus. Avoid other cave-spawning dwarf cichlids in the same tank as they will compete for spawning sites.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co?

Our Pelvicachromis taeniatus Dehane are healthy, well-coloured specimens from the correct locality. These beautiful dwarf cichlids combine easy care with stunning appearance and fascinating breeding behaviour. Live arrival guaranteed with UK delivery.

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Hand-packed with oxygen bags, poly box, heat pack

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Replacement or refund — just tell us the same day

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How your fish gets to you

Dispatched Tuesday, delivered Wednesday — every order tracked and insured.

Dispatched on Tuesdays by a UK courier legally licensed to carry live animals. You’ll get a tracking number on dispatch morning and live updates through the afternoon.
Hand-packed in an insulated poly box with oxygen bags and (Oct–Apr) 40-hour heat packs. £20 flat rate covers any number of fish.
Covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Tell us the same day your fish arrive with a short unboxing video — replacement or refund, no arguments. Why we need a video
You need to be home.Live fish cannot be left on doorsteps or with neighbours — it kills them. Please only order for days when someone will be in to sign.

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