The dwarf cichlids of the Pelvicachromis genus, in the form of P. pulcher, are the most popular cichlids from Africa. They are colorful, relatively peaceful, adaptable and have a very interesting family life. Pelvicachromis have a mother-father family in which the more colorful female is responsible for caring for the spawn laid in a cave and the newly hatched young. During this time, the male only defends the more extensive surroundings of the spawning cave. When the young leave the cave, the mother and father join forces and lead the brood together.
Pelvicachromis subocellatus is a rarely available representative of this genus. It only grows to around 7 cm long, females remain even smaller. In the wild, it inhabits an area from Gabon to the Congo. This fish used to be quite widespread in the hobby as Pelvicachromis klugei, but it fell into oblivion, so that nowadays it can only be found among specialists. We have now received a nice number of sexually mature offspring from a German breeder. When the females put on their mating colors, it is simply spectacular. But this “goldhead” is also a really pretty fish in its plain dress.
For our customers: the animals have code 560523 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
