Bone Back (Pelvicachromis pulcher)

Family: Cichlidae

Bone Back — a Cichlidae from Nigeria, Africa, assertive but manageable with space and structure. Reaches 8.2–12.1 cm; singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded. 24–25 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
24–25 °C
pH
5–8
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
8.2–12.1 cm
Minimum tank
176 L
Water layer
Middle to bottom; territory-centred
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Assertive but manageable with space and structure
Origin
Nigeria, Africa

Species overview

Pelvicachromis pulcher, a member of the family Cichlidae, comes from Nigeria, Africa, where it inhabits lakes and slow rivers with structure. Assertive but manageable with space and structure and accepts all foods; emphasise quality over variety, it grows to 8.2–12.1 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 24–25 °C range. In a community tank it pairs well with Other cichlids of similar size and temperament.

Native biotope

Habitat
Lakes and slow rivers with structure
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Sand with rock piles
Hardscape
Stones, caves and broken lines of sight
Plants
Hardy species that tolerate digging

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded
Diet
Accepts all foods; emphasise quality over variety
Recommended tankmates
  • Other cichlids of similar size and temperament — Balance aggression across the tank
Avoid keeping with
  • Delicate planted-tank species — Uprooted and outcompeted

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Often striking; males larger and brighter
Breeding method
Cave or substrate spawner with prolonged parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Bone Back easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Assertive but manageable with space and structure; singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded.

What temperature and water chemistry does Bone Back need?

Hold 24–25 °C and keep it stable — 24–25 °C recorded range. Heater required for stable tropical warmth.

How big does Bone Back get, and what tank size?

Full size is 8.2–12.1 cm. Minimum tank: 176 L, with open swimming space along its middle to bottom; territory-centred habits.

What does Bone Back eat?

Accepts all foods; emphasise quality over variety. It forages naturally over sand with rock piles, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Bone Back live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Assertive but manageable with space and structure — pair it with Other cichlids of similar size and temperament — Balance aggression across the tank and skip Delicate planted-tank species — Uprooted and outcompeted.

Where does Bone Back come from?

Comes from Nigeria, Africa: lakes and slow rivers with structure. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.

Does Bone Back jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Bone Back breed?

In the aquarium: cave or substrate spawner with prolonged parental care. Often striking; males larger and brighter.