I've got a 55-gallon setup with two female Kribs as part of the stock. I'd read that this species can get pretty aggressive, especially during breeding time, so I figured two females would be a safe bet. I thought I had enough space for them to claim their own areas, with plenty of dither fish to distract them. But then one of the Kribs started growing like crazy, filling out in size and color... and aggression. She's basically taken over the whole tank, chasing off any other fish that dares to enter her territory.
That was until today, when I picked up a nice-looking male Krib on a whim. Now, the queen bee seems to be smitten - she's practically flirting with the little guy. Aggression levels have plummeted, and even the smaller female is head over heels for him. They're following him around like lovesick puppies. My question is, can I really expect this newfound peace to last, or am I just getting my hopes up?
Resolving female kribensis aggression
Re: Resolving female kribensis aggression
If that male Krib becomes the chosen one, I'd strongly consider rehoming the smaller female - things could get ugly fast. Bonded pairs can turn on others, and I recall a thread here about a pair of oscars taking out a third fish.
Re: Resolving female kribensis aggression
I think introducing another male could be a good idea - they might just pair off and claim smaller territories. You'd need to create distinct areas, like rock piles or ceramic caves, with clear borders - maybe some tall plants to block line of sight. I've had success with three breeding pairs in a 100gal long, so I believe it's possible in a 55gal under the right conditions. Just be aware, once they pair up, they'll likely breed, and you might end up with babies to rehome.
Re: Resolving female kribensis aggression
I'm not entirely sold on the idea, need to hear more perspectives on this.bronzo99 wrote: ↑Tue Apr 15, 2025 11:20 amI think introducing another male could be a good idea - they might just pair off and claim smaller territories. You'd need to create distinct areas, like rock piles or ceramic caves, with clear borders - maybe some tall plants to block line of sight. I've had success with three breeding pairs in a 100gal long, so I believe it's possible in a 55gal under the right conditions. Just be aware, once they pair up, they'll likely breed, and you might end up with babies to rehome.
Re: Resolving female kribensis aggression
If your tank's not at least 4ft wide, I'd say rehome the extra female - anything less and you're asking for trouble. Honestly, I wouldn't even risk it in a 4ft tank.
Kribs become super territorial at breeding time, taking over the bottom area of your tank and chasing off any other fish that comes near. Then when the fry start swimming, they'll do the same, defending them wherever they go.
They're lovely fish, don't get me wrong, and they're fine in a community tank - you just need to be aware of their needs and manage them properly.
Kribs become super territorial at breeding time, taking over the bottom area of your tank and chasing off any other fish that comes near. Then when the fry start swimming, they'll do the same, defending them wherever they go.
They're lovely fish, don't get me wrong, and they're fine in a community tank - you just need to be aware of their needs and manage them properly.