Kribensis

Pelvicachromis pulcher

Also sold as Krib · Super red krib

Synonyms Albino krib

Kribensis (Pelvicachromis pulcher) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 10 cm (3.9 in) and swims in open water. It wants 75–81°F (24–27°C) and pH 5–7.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 71 L (19 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	10 cm (3.9 in)
Minimum tank	71 L (19 gal)
Group size	Can be kept singly
Temperature	75–81°F (24–27°C)
pH	5–7.5
Temperament	Semi-aggressive
Lifespan	5 years
Eats shrimp	Yes

Before it goes in

Kribensis needs at least 71 L (19 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 20 Gallon High.
It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
It is the wrong size to share a tank with Oscar, Clown Loach and Iridescent Shark: it ends up as food.
It holds at 75–81°F (24–27°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Discus.
It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
One of them takes up roughly 24% of what a 20 Gallon High will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.

What tank size does it need?

At least 71 L (19 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 20 Gallon High.

Will it eat shrimp?

Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.

What water does it want?

75–81°F (24–27°C), pH 5–7.5.

How long does it live?

5 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Kribensis	Electric Yellow Lab	Golden Wonder Killifish
Adult size	10 cm	10 cm	10 cm
Min tank	71 L	154 L	90 L
Group	1+	1+	1+
Temperature	75–81°F (24–27°C)	75–82°F (24–28°C)	72–77°F (22–25°C)
Eats shrimp	Yes	Yes	Yes

More livestock

Plan a tank with Kribensis →

Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026