Care
The Subocellatus Krib is known from slow-moving, heavily vegetated streams and creeks in coastal areas, with some of these habitats being mildly brackish. A pair of these delightful dwarf cichlids are suitable for community aquariums measuring 36" or longer. Larger groups should be given much more territory. The substrate should consist of natural coloured sand or fine gravel, and dark shady areas should be provided with plenty of plants, driftwood, and caves. Java moss covered coconut shells or clean new flowerpots are particular favourite hideaways, and a pair is likely to choose such a location as a spawning site. Excellent water quality should be maintained at all times, and boisterous tankmates are not advised. Good companions could include small barbs, characins, Corydoras catfish, gouramis, small Loricariids (suckermouth catfish), rainbowfish, or rasboras. If kept in cramped quarters, breeding pairs will become quite aggressive towards their tankmates, so adequate space must be provided. May also be seen on sale as Ocellated Kribensis. Two different wild colour forms are available: 'Matadi' and 'Moanda'.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, frozen foods such as daphnia, bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp etc.
Breeding
The Subocellatus Krib has been bred in the home aquarium. This species is a cave spawner and will require a choice of shelters to breed in. An upturned flowerpot (new and clean) is always well accepted as a cave substitute, as are coconut shell caves that are sometimes available from your local aquatics store. Ideally, the water will be slightly soft and acidic. When ready to spawn, the female will show off her brightly coloured belly to the male, often curling her body and quivering in front of him. Once inside the cave, the female will lay between 50 and 200 eggs on the ceiling of the cave structure, which are attached by small threads. The female will look after the eggs, fanning them with her pectoral fins, whilst the male will guard the perimeter of the cave. After 2-3 days, the eggs should hatch, and after a further 6-7 days the fry will become free-swimming. The parents will take great care of the fry, herding them around the tank in a shoal. The young can be fed newly hatched brineshrimp or finely powdered fry foods, and will grow quickly.
