At 4 inches, P. nigripinnis is morphologically very similar in size and shape to other Cyprichromis species, with the only noticeable difference being slightly more slender and having a pinkish base color rather then gray. However, behaviorlly they are very different. The male's territory can be found on a recess along a vertical rock face or a cave, whereas Cyprichromis species hold 3-dimentional spaces within the upper water column. The eggs are then laid along the ceiling or a vertical rock face, and then picked up by the mouth brooding mother as they drop towards the ground.
Given that the P. nigripinnis niche is found along vertical surfaces at great depths, they have very little concept of the water surface. Thus within an aquarium, they can be found skirting the glass wall, displaying or running from others, often times in disaster when they skirt too close to the surface and jump out. Needless to say, a very tight fitting lid is necessary.
