Pelvicachromis taeniatus 'Nange'

Pelvicachromis taeniatus 'Nange' originates from the Nange area of Cameroon's coastal drainages. This locale is noted for producing particularly well-marked fish: males show a crisp dark lateral stripe on a warm olive-gold body, and females develop an intense violet-to-magenta belly patch in breeding condition.

Nange krabs behave identically to other taeniatus forms — pair-bonding strongly, selecting a cave, and defending their immediate territory with vigour against intruders. The female incubates the egg batch inside the cave while the male drives away tankmates. Fry are guided as a school once free-swimming, with both parents taking active roles.

Soft, warm water with pH 5.5–7.0 suits this form well. Provide a planted tank of at least 80 L with coconut-shell or ceramic caves and a dark substrate to encourage natural colouration and confident behaviour.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 5.5–7.0, soft to medium hardness (GH 2–10, KH 1–5). Tank: Minimum 80 L with multiple caves, leaf litter optional, and dense planting to create visual barriers. Feeding: Micro pellets, high-quality flake, and live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and bloodworm. Breeding: Obligate cave-spawner; separate breeding pair into a dedicated tank for best fry survival. Compatibility: Peaceful community with small tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras; remove fin-nippers.