Range and Identity
Pelvicachromis pulcher is the identity retained here. The Purple Cichlid common name should not be applied to every aquarium cichlid with similar coloration. Geographic origin and scientific identity are useful when comparing wild fish with captive strains or other members of the genus.
Habitat and Behavior
The species occurs in West African fresh waters. Broad food accounts include worms, crustaceans and insects, but a study in Nigeria’s Sombreiro River emphasized diatoms, algae, plant material and detritus. That contrast supports a varied diet rather than one exclusive feeding category for all populations.
Food and Life History
Fish form pairs and breed with eggs placed in sheltered cave-like sites, followed by care of the brood. The upper reference is eleven centimeters total length. A breeding observation under aquarium conditions should retain that setting instead of being presented as an exact wild seasonal calendar.
Field Note
Keep the population and study setting with a diet claim. A food pattern measured in one Nigerian river can be informative without describing every wild or captive Rainbow Krib.
All Lakes With Purple Cichlid
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Purple Cichlid records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.