Pelvicachromis kribensis 'Blue'

The Blue Kribensis is a captive-developed colour strain of Pelvicachromis kribensis in which selective breeding has amplified the iridescent blue-green metallic sheen on the flanks and unpaired fins. The effect is most pronounced in males, which can appear strikingly turquoise under good lighting, while females retain the characteristic belly colouration of the species.

Blue Kribensis are just as hardy and easy to breed as standard Kribensis, making them an excellent choice for hobbyists who want an eye-catching fish without the complexity of wild-type cichlid care. They spawn readily in cave setups and make excellent parents.

Maintain with a balanced diet including colour-enhancing foods to preserve the intensity of the blue pigmentation. Good lighting — particularly full-spectrum LEDs — brings out the metallic iridescence to its best advantage.

Water: 24–26°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard (GH 2–15, KH 1–10). Tank: 80 L minimum; full-spectrum lighting maximises the blue iridescence in males. Feeding: Quality flake, micro pellets, spirulina-enriched foods, and frozen brine shrimp. Breeding: Reliable cave-spawner; standard krib parental behaviour with strong pair bond. Compatibility: Excellent community cichlid; peaceful except during active breeding.