Cichlid
How to breed cichlids and other aquarium fish
Step by step breeding guides by species group: African mouthbrooders, angelfish, convicts and cave spawners, livebearers and bristlenose plecos.
Breeding is where the hobby gets addictive. Cichlids are some of the most fascinating parents in the fish world, from mouthbrooding Malawi mothers to angelfish pairs fanning eggs on a leaf. This hub collects our how to breed guides by species group.
Before you start
- Have a plan for the fry. Ask your local fish store whether they take healthy juveniles before you breed.
- Never crossbreed. Keep species pure, especially African cichlids.
- Set up a sponge filter tank. Fry need gentle filtration and tiny foods.
Guides in this hub
Breeding cichlids
Substrate spawners, mouthbrooders and how to raise your first batch of fry.
Read the guide
Breeding African cichlids
Ratios, holding females and raising the fry of Malawi mouthbrooders.
Read the guide
Breeding angelfish
From a bonded pair to free swimming fry. Slates, eggs and baby brine shrimp.
Read the guide
Breeding guppies and livebearers
The easiest fish to breed. Ratios, gestation and how to save more fry.
Read the guide
Breeding bristlenose plecos
One of the easiest plecos to breed. Caves, a cool water change and plenty of veggies.
Read the guideEasiest fish to breed, by group
| Group | Good first species | How they breed |
|---|---|---|
| Central American | Convict cichlid | Cave spawners, both parents guard |
| West African | Kribensis | Cave spawners, both parents guard |
| Malawi | Electric yellow lab | Maternal mouthbrooder |
| South American | Angelfish | Open spawner on a vertical surface |
| Livebearers | Guppies, platies | Live birth |
| Plecos | Bristlenose pleco | Cave spawner, male guards |
Frequently asked questions
What are the easiest cichlids to breed?
Convict cichlids, kribensis and electric yellow labs are some of the easiest. Convicts often breed with little encouragement.
How do I tell if my cichlid is holding eggs?
A holding mouthbrooder female has a swollen, square looking throat, keeps her mouth closed and refuses food.
Can I breed cichlids in a community tank?
It happens often, but parents become territorial and many fry are eaten. A separate breeding or grow out tank works far better.
Keep something unusual? Show it off.
Create a free tank profile and pick Breeding as an interest to get tips for it.
Create your tank profile