Kribensis: Tank Size, Tank Mates & How Many to Keep

What size tank do kribensis need?

At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a pair. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a pair, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Pelvicachromis pulcher.

How many kribensis in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if kribensis are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

Tank	How many kribensis
5 gallon	Too small
10 gallon	Too small
20 gallon long	Too small
29 gallon	2
40 gallon breeder	2
55 gallon	2
75 gallon	up to 4
125 gallon	up to 8

Check kribensis against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

Best kept as a pair. A pair will claim a patch of the tank floor and defend it, most of all when they have eggs.

Tank mates for kribensis

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
Oscar: Oscar (about 12 in) can eat kribensis (about 4 in).
Molly: They need different water: Kribensis likes a pH of 6–7.8, molly likes 7.5–8.5.

Questions and answers

What size tank do kribensis need?

At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a pair. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many kribensis should be kept together?

At least 2. Kribensis are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.

Can kribensis live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Kribensis needs at least 30 gallons (114 liters).

What temperature do kribensis need?

75–81 °F (24–27 °C), with a pH of 6–7.8. In most homes that means a heater.

Can kribensis live with a betta?

Usually, yes, in a tank of 30 gallons (114 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–81 °F (24–27 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.