Cichlid
How mouthbrooding works
Most Lake Malawi cichlids, including mbuna and peacocks, are maternal mouthbrooders. The female lays eggs, picks them up in her mouth and carries the eggs and developing fry until they can swim on their own.
- Set the ratio. Keep one male with three or four females of the same species. This spreads the male’s attention and reduces stress.
- Condition with good food. Feed a quality species appropriate diet and keep water clean. Mbuna still need a vegetable based diet.
- Watch for spawning. The male shows his best color, shakes and circles a female near a flat rock or pit. She picks up the eggs in her mouth.
- Spot the holding female. Her throat looks swollen or boxy and she refuses food or spits it out.
- Give her peace. Many keepers move a holding female to a quiet tank after a few days, or let her hold in the main tank with plenty of rock.
- Release and feed the fry. After about 21 to 28 days she releases fully formed fry. Feed crushed flake, fry powder or baby brine shrimp.
Do not crossbreed: keep one species of each look alike group together. Hybrids are a real problem in the hobby and stores usually will not take them.
Frequently asked questions
How long do African cichlids hold eggs?
Most Malawi mouthbrooders hold for about 21 to 28 days, depending on species and temperature.
How do I know if my cichlid is holding?
A holding female has a swollen, square looking throat, keeps her mouth closed and refuses food.
Will other fish eat the fry?
Yes. In a busy mbuna tank many fry are eaten unless they have tight rock cover. A separate grow out tank saves the most.
What you will need
- Breeder net or small tankFor a holding female.Check price on Amazon
- Fry foodFirst foods for new fry.Check price on Amazon
- Sponge filterFry safe filtration.Check price on Amazon
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