Pelvicachromis taeniatus Nigeria Red

23 October 2026

Pelvicachromis taeniatus, commonly known as the striped krib or taeniatus cichlid, is a small West African riverine cichlid valued for its parental behavior and locality-based color variation. “Nigeria Red” identifies a trade form or collection locality rather than a separate species. The supplied source label also calls these fish emerald perch, but that common name is not a standard scientific name. This species is generally manageable for experienced beginners when provided with stable, clean water, hiding places and a carefully planned community aquarium.

Taxonomy and identification

Pelvicachromis taeniatus is a cichlid in the family Cichlidae. It is closely related to other Pelvicachromis, but its locality forms can differ substantially in body and fin coloration. Nigeria Red is a trade or locality designation, not a formally recognized species or universally standardized color strain. Identification from a trade label alone is not fully certain, so locality claims should be confirmed with the seller or breeder. The pictured fish shows the general body shape and fin pattern associated with Pelvicachromis taeniatus, but a photograph cannot verify locality or pure lineage.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in coastal West Africa, especially in southern Nigeria and western Cameroon, where it inhabits small rivers, forest streams and quiet marginal waters. These habitats commonly contain leaf litter, roots, submerged wood and sheltering cavities. Water chemistry varies between localities, but many populations experience soft, slightly acidic to neutral water. Captive fish should be acclimated gradually rather than exposed to abrupt changes in pH or hardness.

Behavior and temperament

Pelvicachromis taeniatus is a bottom-oriented, cave-associated cichlid that usually spends much of its time around shelters and the lower regions of the aquarium. A bonded pair can be relatively peaceful outside spawning, but territorial behavior increases sharply when eggs or fry are present. Males are usually larger and more elongated, while females are often shorter-bodied and may show stronger red or pink coloration on the belly when mature. Provide visual barriers and more than one potential territory.

Aquarium and tank size

A pair should have an aquarium of at least 75 litres, with a larger footprint preferred over a tall, narrow tank. For a community setup or a pair raising fry, 90 litres or more gives better separation and reduces conflict. Use sand or smooth fine gravel, rounded stones, driftwood, hardy plants and several caves or coconut-shell shelters. Gentle to moderate flow, efficient biological filtration and a tightly fitted lid are appropriate. Leave open bottom areas for foraging while retaining dense cover around territorial boundaries.

Water parameters

Keep the water stable, well oxygenated and free from detectable ammonia and nitrite. A practical range is 24-28 °C and pH 5.5-7.5, with soft to moderately hard water generally suitable. Locality fish may show preferences outside this broad range, so breeder water values are useful when available. Regular partial water changes and restrained stocking are more important than attempting rapid chemical adjustment. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, conductivity or pH.

Diet

Offer a varied omnivorous diet consisting mainly of a quality small cichlid or community pellet, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworm. Small portions given once or twice daily are preferable to overfeeding. Occasional vegetable-based foods can add variety, although the diet should not be dominated by plant matter. Remove uneaten food promptly, especially in a breeding aquarium where water quality can deteriorate quickly.

Compatibility

Suitable companions are peaceful, similarly sized fish that occupy the middle or upper water levels and tolerate the same temperature and chemistry. Small tetras, rasboras and peaceful surface-oriented species may work in a sufficiently spacious aquarium, although individual compatibility varies. Avoid large predatory fish, fin-nippers, boisterous feeders and other bottom-territorial cichlids. Do not combine multiple Pelvicachromis pairs in a small tank. During spawning, be prepared to remove especially vulnerable tank mates or divide the aquarium.

Breeding

This species is a cave spawner and usually breeds readily once a compatible pair is established. Provide several dark caves with entrances the fish can defend, along with clean, stable water and good nutrition. The female commonly selects and cleans a cave, while both parents may defend the territory and tend the brood. Eggs generally hatch after several days, with free-swimming fry appearing a few days later depending on temperature. Feed newly free-swimming fry with suitably fine foods, such as powdered fry food or newly hatched brine shrimp. Parents may continue guarding the young, but remove fry or separate the pair if aggression becomes excessive.

Fish info

Care level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Adult size: Male 8-10 cm; female 6-8 cm
Life expectancy: 5-8 years
Fish type: West African dwarf cichlid
Temperature : 24-28 °C
pH: 5.5-7.5

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