Cichlid
Two main ways cichlids breed
Substrate spawners lay eggs on a flat rock, in a cave or on a leaf, and both parents usually guard the eggs and free swimming fry. Convicts, firemouths, Jack Dempseys, oscars, angelfish, discus, rams and apistogramma all breed this way.
Mouthbrooders, including most Lake Malawi and Victoria cichlids, carry the eggs and young fry in the mouth. The female usually holds for about three weeks and barely eats during that time.
Getting a pair
Many cichlids choose their own partners. The most reliable method is to raise a group of six or more juveniles together and let a pair form naturally, then rehome the rest. Paired fish swim together, clean a spawning site and defend it.
Eggs and fry
- Most substrate spawner eggs hatch in about 2 to 4 days at 78 to 82 F, then the wrigglers live off the yolk for several more days.
- Once fry swim freely, feed newly hatched baby brine shrimp or finely crushed fry food several times a day.
- A sponge filter is the safest filter for fry tanks because it cannot suck them in.
- Do small, frequent water changes. Fry grow faster in clean water.
Easiest cichlids to breed
| Fish | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Convict cichlid | Substrate spawner | Famous for breeding easily. Plan for the fry. |
| Kribensis | Cave spawner | Great for a 30 gallon community. Parents guard well. |
| Yellow lab | Mouthbrooder | One of the calmer mbuna. Keep one male with several females. |
| Shell dwellers (Neolamprologus multifasciatus) | Shell spawner | Tiny colony cichlids that breed in snail shells. |
Frequently asked questions
How do I know my cichlids are about to spawn?
Signs include a pair staying together, cleaning a flat rock or digging pits, darker or brighter breeding colors, and a small tube (the breeding tube) appearing under the belly.
Why do my cichlids eat their eggs?
Young or stressed pairs often eat the first few batches. It usually improves with practice, a calmer tank and good water quality.
How long do mouthbrooders hold their eggs?
Most Malawi mouthbrooders hold for about 21 to 28 days, depending on the species and the temperature.
What you will need
- Sponge filter and air pumpSafe flow for fry tanks.Check price on Amazon
- Brine shrimp hatcheryLive baby brine shrimp for first foods.Check price on Amazon
- Breeder box or tank dividerSeparate a pair or a holding female.Check price on Amazon
- Spawning caveFor cave spawners like kribs and apistos.Check price on Amazon
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