Tropical Fish Species Guide

Many of these species are suitable for the community aquarium. These guides are based on my own research and experience of keeping and breeding these fish.

Kribensis

The Kribensis or purple cichlid, is a favourite addition to the community tank. They are usually peaceful except when breeding. A pair of Kribs will breed easily in a community tank. Kribensis parents do a very effective job to protect their young.

All that is needed to breed is a cave that the parents can defend, and a varied diet include frozen live foods.

Kribensis are relatively easy to sex. The male (left hand picture) is less colourful, slighly larger, and has a distinctive spade shaped tail. The Female kribensis (right hand picture) is smaller, and can be brightly coloured when courting, with a deep crimson abdomen, and contrasting yellow stripes.

Kribensis should be kept in a well-planted tank with lots of hiding places. Like many other cichlids, Kribensis may remain in hiding if there aren't other braver fish swimming out in the open. Therefore keep them with some other active fish that always swim in the open.

Cherry Barb

The cherry barb is an elongated fish with a rather compressed body. At breeding time, males attain a deep red color. Females are less colourful, with yellowish fins. The cherry barb will grow in length up to 1 inch. Cherry Barbs will thrive on most foods given. They will constantly breed in the community tank, but will immediately eat their own eggs. A breeding tank with no gravel, just weighted plants on top of a layer of marbles is recommended for successful breeding. The eggs will fall to safety beneath the marbles. Once the parents have spawned, remove them from the tank.

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