Pelvicachromis pulcher- a good first dwarf cichlid

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Fire Eel
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Oct 2, 2007
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Most people have seen Pelvicachromis pulcher, as it is a popular and easily obtainable fish. They originate in West Africa, and are an ideal choice for someone who is interested in delving into the vast world of dwarf cichlids. They are very undemanding, easily taking dried or frozen foods, and can be housed in a community set-up. While they are dwarf cichlids and can get territorial during spawning, they are not typically very aggressive to other fish. Their flashy looks and outgoing behavior make them a popular fish, as well as the fact that they are very easy to spawn. They are cave spawners, with the female taking on the role of primary parent. I have seen both the male and the female tend to the fry. Brood size can vary, and I will attach a video of an example of the potentially large amount of fry. These fish are a great way to get your hands wet with breeding dwarf cichlids for a reasonable cost.
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Love these fish. I haven't tried them yet, but I am working with pelvicachromis taeniatus. I've had them a while with no luck in breeding....go figure. I finally gave them a littela ttention as of late and it looks as though I might have some breeding in the works. Great fish.
 
Wow, is this a certain variety? I don't think I've ever seen a male with colors that fiery before. I love kribs. I'm currently growing out a pair of Enigmatochromis lucanusi but I always keep my eye out for a nice looking pair of P. pulcher. I wouldn't mind having them around again.
 
ryansmith83 said:
Wow, is this a certain variety? I don't think I've ever seen a male with colors that fiery before. I love kribs. I'm currently growing out a pair of Enigmatochromis lucanusi but I always keep my eye out for a nice looking pair of P. pulcher. I wouldn't mind having them around again.
Click to expand...

This is your standard kribensis in breeding dress.

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I always hear these are good starter Cichlids. I've thought about getting them myself, but something about them I don't like...I think it's their face, lol! I also never really see a nice colored one at my lfs.
 
This is your standard kribensis in breeding dress.
Click to expand...

I have to disagree with this! I don't think they're your standard kribs. I've seen and had a male like it before and they get the full red on the cheeks and belly. I've seen this variety labelled as Nigerian Red Kribensis. Although generally Nigerian Red refers to a Taeniatus variety.

'Normal' males have yellow on the cheeks fading into pink on the belly.

This is a video of my 'normal' male and female sibling pair guarding a clutch of fry in their own grow out tank. (I didn't stock the tank like that, it's a grow out tank).

[video=youtube;G8UD9oAjrM0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8UD9oAjrM0[/video]

Compare the differences in the OP's video.

I always hear these are good starter Cichlids. I've thought about getting them myself, but something about them I don't like...I think it's their face, lol! I also never really see a nice colored one at my lfs.
Click to expand...

How can you not love their little faces!!!!!! What 'real' fish EVER show good colour at lfs'!
 
ok, they are fantastically nice pulchers, lol. Not taeniatus, I have had those too. these guys are big, seasoned breeders (big for kribs anyway) from wild stock. I will shoot you some pics, perhaps the tannins in the tank or the quality of video is effecting your opinion.
 
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