Pelvicachromis subocellatus

Pelvicachromis subocellatus is found in coastal rivers of Gabon and the Republic of Congo, inhabiting sluggish, heavily vegetated streams with low conductivity. It is identified by a clearly defined dark ocellus on the upper caudal peduncle, a feature absent in most other Pelvicachromis species. Body colouration is subtler than the common krib — soft olive-brown with pinkish-lavender ventral tones in females.

In the aquarium, P. subocellatus is a typical krib-group cave-spawner: the pair selects a concealed cavity, spawns on the ceiling or walls, and the female guards the clutch while the male polices the outer territory. Fry are compact and relatively easy to raise on microfoods and baby brine shrimp.

Soft, slightly acidic water is important for this species — pH 5.5–7.0, low hardness. Avoid bright lighting and provide leaf litter, driftwood, and dense planting to encourage the fish to venture out and display naturally.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 5.5–7.0, soft (GH 1–10, KH 1–5); avoid hard alkaline water. Tank: 80 L minimum; dim lighting, leaf litter, and caves replicate the shaded forest-stream habitat. Feeding: Micro pellets, flake, and regular frozen/live brine shrimp, bloodworm, and daphnia. Breeding: Cave-spawner; female guards eggs in cave, male guards perimeter — limit tankmates during breeding. Compatibility: Gentle community with small tetras or rasboras; avoid boisterous or similarly cave-dwelling species.