Species profile

Red Cheek Krobia

Krobia xinguensis

Common names: Red Cheek Krobia, Xingu Krobia

Recognized speciesCichlids

Adult size

Up to 15 cm

Typical adult length 10–15 cm.

Up to 15 cm

Countries of origin

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

Mature planted aquarium setups
Intermediate shrimp keepers

Think carefully if

The aquarium contains shrimp-eating fish
The tank is newly cycled
Water conditions change frequently

A moderate-sized Xingu cichlid with red facial colour and relatively manageable community behaviour.

Appearance and Identification

A tan to olive cichlid with a dark oblique flank band, blue iridescence, and red or orange colour on the cheek and lower head.

The red cheek and Xingu provenance are useful, but Krobia species should be separated by complete pattern and locality.

Males may be larger and longer-finned. Females become fuller and show stronger breeding colour.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter: About 800–1,000 litres an hour
Suggested heater: About 200–300 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume: 200 litres
Minimum tank length: 120 cm
Minimum group size: 2
Recommended group size: 4
Activity level: Moderate
Flow preference: Moderate
Planting preference: Moderately planted
Hiding places: Yes
Lid recommended: Yes
Jumping risk: Low

Provide fine sand, wood, rounded rocks, plants, open swimming room, and strong clean filtration. A pair or small group needs sight breaks.

Behaviour and Tankmates

Generally peaceful for its size, becoming territorial when spawning.

Can be kept as a pair or small group in adequate space.

Both parents defend the spawning surface and fry.

Suitable with robust peaceful South American fish. Small shrimp and fry-sized fish may be eaten.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature: 24–29 °C
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 1–12
KH: 0–6
TDS: 30–220
Stability importance: Important

Warm soft to moderate water is suitable. High oxygen and stable water quality are important.

Parameter caveat

Avoid abrupt chemistry changes and aggressive tank mates.

Feeding

Diet types: Insectivore, Omnivore
Feeding frequency: Daily
Preferred foods: Quality sinking cichlid pelletUse a staple pellet appropriate to the fish size and mouth shape.
Chopped shrimp, mussel, or earthwormOffer clean unseasoned portions as rotating protein foods.
Blanched leafy greens or peasUseful for omnivorous and plant-eating species; remove leftovers promptly.
Frozen krill or mysisFeed in moderation to add variety and support colour.

An omnivore taking invertebrates, plant material, and prepared foods.

Provide varied sinking and midwater foods rather than a protein-only diet.

Breeding

Breeding type: Egg Layer, Substrate Spawner
Breeding difficulty: Moderate
Breeding temperature: 27 °C
Breeding pH: 6.5
Brood or egg count: Several hundred eggs.
Incubation: 3 days
Parental care: Biparental care
Baby foods: Newly hatched brine shrimpSuitable after yolk absorption for most cichlid fry.
Crushed high-quality cichlid pelletIntroduce gradually as fry grow.
Finely chopped frozen cyclopsUseful supplementary food for larger fry.

A biparental substrate spawner placing eggs on stone, wood, or another cleaned surface.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin: Amazon Basin, Brazil, South America
Natural habitat: Clearwater, Freshwater River, Rocky Shoreline, Sand/Mud Substrate
Aquarium contexts: Breeding Aquarium, Freshwater Aquarium, Freshwater Community, Large Freshwater Aquarium
Audience level: Intermediate

Classification

Profile type: Recognized species
Genus: Krobia
Family: Cichlidae
Species group: Cichlids, Fish, South American Cichlids

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