HomeFreshwater aquarium fishSouth & Central American cichlidsRainbow krib Rainbow krib (Pelvicachromis pulcher) Scientific name: Pelvicachromis pulcher Boulenger, 1901 The Rainbow krib (Pelvicachromis pulcher) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 10 cm (3.9 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 75 L (20 US gal), water at 24–28°C (75–82°F) and a pH of 5.0–8.0. Native range: Africa, Southeastern Nigeria and the coastal zone of southern Cameroon. Rainbow krib care at a glanceCare levelEasyTemperamentPeacefulCommunity tankExcellentAdult size10 cm (3.9 in)Minimum tank75 L (20 US gal)Temperature24–28°C (75–82°F)pH5.0–8.0Hardness5–19 dGH (89–339 ppm)DietOmnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods. BiologyDorsal spines (total): 14 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 6 - 8. Diagnosis: body elongate, moderately compressed, its depth 28.4-36.8% of standard length; head length 27.8-34.5% of standard length; 4-5 rows of monocuspid teeth in jaws; dorsal fin usually with spots or bands, dark posteriorly; lower part of body often reddish in life. Black mid-lateral band extends over caudal fin; base of dorsal fin heavily pigmented dark grey or black.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific namePelvicachromis pulcherFamilyCichlidae (Cichlids)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length11.0EnvironmentFreshwater; brackish;; pH range: 5.0 - 8.0; dH range: 5 - 19 demersalClimateTropicalDistributionAfrica: eastern Benin, southern Nigeria and western Cameroon.Conservation status (IUCN)Least Concern (LC)Threat to humansHarmlessUsesFisheries:ResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm More south & central american cichlidsBlue-eye cichlidCryptoheros spilurusNanochromis parilusOrange chromideEtroplus maculatusGeophagus abaliosHeros efasciatusCrenicichla strigataSee all south & central american cichlids SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.Last updated 28 September 2026