keeping kribensis cichlids

[oceanorb]

Hi everyone, I'm thrilled to share my excitement with you all - I've just welcomed two adorable kribensis into my family. I must admit, I fell head over heels in love with them the moment I laid eyes on them. I rushed home, did my research, and couldn't wait to get back to the store to bring them home. Now they're all settled in their new tank and have made themselves right at home, even claiming the coconut shell as their own little hideaway. I just wanted to introduce myself as I'm new to this part of the site.

[ridera]

What size tank are you running for your kribs (dimensions would be helpful, eg. 100x30x30cm)?

Also, who are their tankmates (species and numbers)? I've always been a fan of kribs myself, they're stunning fish. However, I've noticed a lot of people get them and then seem taken aback when they're added to smaller tanks with less hardy tankmates. The truth is, when kribs breed - and I mean when, not if - they can be pretty ruthless. If their tankmates can't get out of the way of the fry and the parents, who get pretty protective and aggressive, it can be a real issue.

[dazed_knots]

Kribensis do require specific water conditions, alkaline and high pH being ideal for them. As African cichlids, they thrive in such environments. On a separate note, congrats on the new additions, lovely to see you've taken the plunge and given them a home.

[ridera]

Kribensis do require specific water conditions, alkaline and high pH being ideal for them. As African cichlids, they thrive in such environments. On a separate note, congrats on the new additions, lovely to see you've taken the plunge and given them a home.

Kribs actually come from West Africa's relatively soft, neutral pH waters, not those hard alkaline lakes like Malawi, Tanganyika or Victoria. Their adaptability is pretty impressive, but it's interesting to note that the pH of the water can significantly impact the male-to-female ratio - in alkaline water, you tend to get a lot more males.

[reefknight]

Lovely addition to the tank, kribensis are a stunning species. I've had the pleasure of keeping them in the past and can appreciate their vibrant colours.

[oceanorb]

Hi All
My tank's a good size - 180 litres, 39 inches long, 15 inches deep and 16 inches high. Got substrate in there too.
I've got a coconut shell in the corner at the back for my kribs, so they've got their own little home.

My tankmates are 2 platys, 6 guppys, 5 blackdendows, 12 corys, 1 brn and 6 kuluis. I'm guessing I'll get told these aren't the best tankmates for my kribs?

I did my research on this site and was told keyhole cichlids could work, but after looking into kribs, I thought they were more peaceful. I checked them out online and in the shop, and everything seemed fine.

I put their cave in the corner at the back, out of the way, just in case they get a bit territorial. Not sure what my pH is, never really tested it.

Hope that helps!

Hi again, forgot to mention I've got 1 male and 1 female.

[sandree]

I think you'll be alright with the kribs, they're not as bad as some people make out, and your tank's a good size so they should have plenty of space to themselves.

[oceanorb]

I'm getting really confused, looked into keyholes and kribs and got different info from different places. Keyholes were semi-aggressive, kribs peaceful. So, who's right? One place says this, another says that. I don't just take the LFS's word for it, they just want my money. I've learned that the hard way.

It feels like I'm doing everything wrong, and I'm getting really frustrated. I thought keeping fish would be a peaceful hobby, but it's been the opposite. I've only been doing this for 2 years, still got a lot to learn. It's like, I'm trying my best, but it's just not going right.

[oceanorb]

I know my tank might not be huge, but it's long, 39 inches to be exact, so I'm hoping that will help with the territory issue. I've placed their cave in the back corner, out of the way, so fingers crossed that will help minimize any problems.

[ridera]

Keyholes are far more placid than Kribs, especially when Kribs are breeding. I'm concerned that combining them would cause aggression, with the Keyholes likely to lose out. To minimize this, I'd recommend setting up the tank with two cave sites, diagonally opposed, with no other potential caves. Add plenty of furniture and plants to create dividing lines and block the line of sight.

It's also worth noting the body language differences between African and American fish. Keyholes might make a submissive gesture that Kribs misinterpret as aggression. As for your current tankmates, I'm worried about the Corydoras and Kuhli Loaches - Kribs are known to peck at Corydoras' eyes, and Kuhli Loaches have no defense. The Black Widows might also be at risk. On the other hand, your Platies are a good choice - they're fast, robust, and will make decent ditherfish.

It's great to see Kribs in a decent-sized community tank for a change.