Pelvicachromis sacrimontis

Pelvicachromis sacrimontis is a close relative of the familiar kribensis (P. pulcher) and was long thought to be its red form. It is larger and stockier and can reach 10 cm. Females have a bright red belly, and their dorsal fins are plain and dark, lacking the gold edge seen in the kribensis. Both sexes have a turquoise sheen on the cheek and gill cover; in some populations the red color extends to the throat and chin. Juveniles are very hard to tell apart from kribensis; the two species should not be crossed.

• At least 120 liters and 90 cm of length for a pair.
• 23–25°C, soft to moderately hard water, pH 6–7.5.
• Caves, fine sand, roots and plants; visual barriers reduce fighting.

Omnivorous. Offer sinking granules and tablets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and mysis, with occasional plant-based food.

Usually calm, but during breeding it fiercely defends the area around its cave and can become very aggressive in a cramped tank. The female tends the eggs in the cave while the male guards the outside. It eats shrimp.

Good companions: midwater schooling fish (tetras, Congo tetra, danios), bristlenose plecos (Ancistrus).

Avoid: kribensis (hybridization and fighting), bottom dwellers (in a small tank), shrimp, other dwarf cichlid pairs.