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Pelvicachromis pulcher, Boulenger, 1901

Origin:South - Nigeria, in fresh and brackish water.

Etymology: unk

Synonyms:Pelmatochromis pulcher, Boulenger, 1901, Pelmatochromis subocellatus pulcher, Hoedeman, 1956, Pelmatochromis kribensis, Wolfsheimer, 1954

First European import: Germany, 1913, by C. Brüning.

Description:See pictures.

Care: A 60 cm tank minimum, which should be densely planted and preferably have a dark soil. Create hideouts for the males in the form of driftwood and caves, in a way so males do not continuously see eachother. The males will establish small territoria which are defended against other Pelvicachromis pulcher. The fish are not very particular towards waterconditions, they can be kept in soft acidic water, but also in neutral water with some salt added to it. Regular partial waterchanges are beneficial, as well as well filtered water. The fish are suitable for the community tank.

Temperature:24-26 degrees.

Feeding: Live and frozen food, although flake food is also accepted.

Size:Males up to 10 cm, females 8.

pH: 6.0-7.5

Breeding: To get the fis to breed the water shouldn't be too hard, up to 12 dGH, and slightly acidic. Raise the temperature to 27-28 degrees, and feed the fish well with strong live and frozen food. Up to 300 eggs are laid in a cave, which are cared for and protected by the female. The male defends theouter parimeters. For breeding a suitable pair has to be selected, if a pair is placed in a small tank, and either of the partners is unwilling, the other fish will become extremely aggressiv, and damages may occur. The red-brown eggs hatch in 2-3 days, and are free swimming after another 4 days.

Sexual dimorphism:Males are larger, and have elongated dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. Females more colorfull.

Prices:Netherlands:

Additional:

Picture references: All pictures: E. Naus