Pelvicachromis pulcher
Pelvicachromis pulcher
(rainbow krib)
Fishes
Exotic
Collection Info
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Species Profile
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Tino Strauss (commons.wikimedia.org) Copyright Info
Pelvicachromis pulcher (Boulenger, 1901)
Common name: rainbow krib
Synonyms and Other Names: kribensis, common krib, pink krib, rainbow cichlid, pelvicachromis
Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Identification: Another commonly used name is Pelmatochromis pulcher. Many color varieties of P. pulcher are common in the aquarium trade (Axelrod 1993). Color photographs were given in Axelrod et al. (1985) and in Axelrod (1993). The genera of pelmatochromine fishes were reviewed by Greenwood (1987).
Size: 10 cm (Petrovicky 1988).
Native Range: Tropical Africa. Western Africa; types from Niger delta, Nigeria (Axelrod 1993).
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences:

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Pelvicachromis pulcher are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
HI199120002Hawaii Region; Oahu

Table last updated 3/29/2025

† Populations may not be currently present.
Means of Introduction: Aquarium escape (Devick 1991b), accidental introduction (Devick 1991a).
Status: Established in Hawaii.
Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.
Remarks: This species is common in the aquarium trade. The many color varieties available are the result of artificial crossbreeding and natural variation (Axelrod 1993).

There are no known voucher specimens.
References: (click for full references)

Axelrod, H. R. 1993. The most complete colored lexicon of cichlids. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Axelrod, H. R., W. E. Burgess, N. Pronek, and J. G. Walls. 1985. Dr. Axelrod's atlas of freshwater aquarium fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Devick, W. S. 1991a. Disturbances and fluctuations in the Wahiawa Reservoir ecosystem. Project F-14-R-15, Job 4, Study I. Division of Aquatic Resources, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. 21 pp.

Greenwood, P. H. 1987. The genera of pelmatochromine fishes (Teleostei, Cichlidae): a phylogenetic review. Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Zoology 53(3):139-203.

Petrovicky, I. 1988. Aquarium fish of the world. Hamlyn, London, England.

FishBase Summary
Author: Nico, L.
Revision Date: 12/6/1999
Peer Review Date: 12/6/1999

Citation Information:
Nico, L., 2025, Pelvicachromis pulcher (Boulenger, 1901): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=472, Revision Date: 12/6/1999, Peer Review Date: 12/6/1999, Access Date: 3/29/2025

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2025]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [3/29/2025].

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For general information and questions about the database, contact Wesley Daniel. For problems and technical issues, contact Matthew Neilson.



Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.



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