Pelvicachromis taeniatus 'Moliwe (Long-fin)'

The Long-fin Moliwe Krib is a captive strain developed from the Moliwe locale of Pelvicachromis taeniatus, in which extended finnage mutations have been selectively fixed. The characteristic gold-and-pink Moliwe colouration is preserved, while the dorsal, caudal, and pelvic fins are dramatically elongated, creating a flowing, ornamental appearance unusual in the krib group.

Care requirements are identical to the standard Moliwe locale: soft acidic water, cave-spawning setup, and a paired male and female. The extended fins make this strain slightly more vulnerable to fin-nipping tankmates, so only gentle, non-aggressive dither fish should be chosen as companions.

Breeding can be slightly less prolific than the wild-type due to the fin trait, but remains achievable in well-conditioned pairs given appropriate spawning caves and live-food conditioning.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 5.5–7.0, soft to moderately hard (GH 2–10, KH 1–5). Tank: 80 L minimum; avoid fin-nipping tankmates — the elongated fins are vulnerable. Feeding: Quality micro pellets, flake, plus regular live or frozen brine shrimp and bloodworm. Breeding: Cave-spawner; condition pair on live food; female may have slightly reduced clutch size vs. standard Moliwe. Compatibility: Only with very gentle tankmates such as ember tetras, small rasboras, or peaceful Corydoras.