Abstract
A review was carried out on the Pelvicachromis pulcher, a local Aquarium fish that possesses a great ornamental value. The review aimed at eliciting interest in the culture of the species, as an additional aquarium fish for the development of the Ornamental fisheries industry in Nigeria. The study revealed that the Pelvicachromis pulcher, is widely distributed in southern Nigeria, western Cameroon and eastern Benin. They are a dwarf freshwater teleost fish, with males attaining a maximum length of approximately 12.5cm (4.9 in) and a maximum weight of 9.5g (0.34 oz), while the females are smaller and deeper bodied, with a maximum length of 8.1 cm (3.2 in) and a maximum weight of 9.4 g (0.33 oz). Their beautiful coloration makes them important ornamental fishes. Both sexes have a dark longitudinal stripe that runs from the caudal fin to the mouth and pink to red abdomens, the intensity of which changes during courtship and breeding. Their environmental requirements is 24-260C temperature, acidic to neutral (pH 5.6 – 6.2, and soft water (12 – 22 mg/l – 1CaCO3).They are secretive cave spawners, and exhibit vigorous parental care, but easily breed in captivity. They are omnivorous, and so easily manageable. However, its availability in the market is limited. This is as a result of certain constraints such as the absence of its Aquaculture, as very little is known about it and its economic importance where it occurs naturally, collection of fish from the wild for stocking tanks which is associated with risks in their area of occurrence.Keywords: Fish Culture, Nigerian Red, Ornamental fisheries, Pelvicachromis pulcher
Highlights
Pelvicachromis pulcher, (Boulenger, 1901) are commonly known as the Rainbow Krib, Kribensis, and other common names, including various derivatives and color morphs of the Kribensis, such as: Krib, Common Krib, Red Krib, Super-red Krib, Rainbow cichlid and Purple cichlid (Froese and Pauly 2006)
The Pelvicachromis pulcher are of immense commercial importance as aquarium fishes in the global aquarium fish trade (Thys, 1968; Ted, 2011; Berg 2016; Sharpe 2019)
There are very few wild P. pulcher, as they are scarce (Hill, n.d.). This was linked with major threats to the capture of P. pulcher associated with the origins of this species such as; kidnaping, militancy, communal clashes in Cameroon and southern Nigeria (Opoku et al, 2016)
Summary
Pelvicachromis pulcher, (Boulenger, 1901) are commonly known as the Rainbow Krib, Kribensis, and other common names, including various derivatives and color morphs of the Kribensis, such as: Krib, Common Krib, Red Krib, Super-red Krib, Rainbow cichlid and Purple cichlid (Froese and Pauly 2006). The Pelvicachromis pulcher is one of the most popular fishes in the aquarium hobby. This review work aims at harnessing available research information on the biology and culture of the P. pulcher that can enhance sustainable aquaculture of these species and/or elicit interest and create a leverage for interested fish culturists.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
