Cichlid Breeding

	Sign In Sign-Up

Cichlid Breeding

Home Page
About Me
Fish Pix
Updates
Contact Information
Links
Cichlids
Cichlid Care
Cichlid Breeding
Guest Book
Shopping Page

Tips & Techniques for Cichlid Breeding. Sorry It took me so long!
		The Joys Of Breeding Cichlids I have been breeding cichlids for about 1/2 year and It has really amazed me. I started off with a pair of Jack Dempseys and they have so far spawned 3 times. My oscars spawned but they keep eating the eggs?!?! In this page I will tell you the tank size you need for your fish, and also the best water chemistry and setup for your fish.
**Tank Sizes All cichlids arent the same and they have special needs according to their species and habitat. Here is a list of what I think are the proper tank sizes to use when breeding cichlids. American Cichlids Oscar- at least 60 gallons Jack Dempsey- at least 30 gallons Severum- at least 20-30 gallons Green Terror- At least 70 gallons Firemouth- At least 20 gallons Blue Acara- at least 40-50 gallons Texas- at least 50 gallons Red Devil- at least 60 gallons Angelfish- at least 20 gallons (High tank required) Convict- At least 30 gallons Discus- At least 40 gallons Rams- at least 10-15 gallons African Cichlids Dwarf Cichlids such as Kribs, Jewels and other small africans need at least a 15. Venustus- 30 gallons Johanni-30-40 gallons Kennyi-30 gallons Electric Blue- 40 gallons Yellow Lab- 40 gallons Brichardi- 30 gallons Tank Setup Setting up the tank so your cichlid is as comfortable as possible will greatly increase your chances of successfully breeding a cichlid. Most American Cichlids like big hiding spots and lots of gravel. Make dense areas of artificial plants and rocks and open areas for spawning and swimming. Most African Cichlids like caves and hiding spots where they cannot be seen. ie flower pots; special caves; rock caves; Kribs like coconuts!?! Finding a mating pair The general rule for finding a mating pair of cichlids is to put 1 male and 3 females in a tank so the male can pair up with his choice of female. You will be able to tell because they will fight and will not seperate. After this occurs get the other females out of the tank. Getting your mated pair to spawn Make sure you have good hiding spots and plently of possible spawning sites ie; flower pots; pieces of smooth rock; bare glass. Make sure you have close to perfect water chemistry for your fish. Water Chemistry** Varies for most every cichlid. American Cichlids generally have a ph range of: 6.5 - 7.5. THIS EXCLUDES THE DISCUS WHICH IS VERY PICKY OF THEIR WATER CHEMISTRY Having the right amount of nitrates to ammonia is important for all fish. The temperature is also vital. Use a temperature of 80-82 degrees to promote spawning. The right foods are also needed. Spawning Foods A varied diet between live foods and vegitabal pellets are important. A list of good live foods are: Brineshrimp Earthworms Blood Worms Feeder Fish Snails Using a good vegie based flake or pellet is good too. Tetra makes great of either. Just vary their diet. How do I know when my cichlid will spawn Courting and clearing out of a desired spawning site will be a sure giveaway when the cichlids are ready to spawn. I will have a section on raising cichlid fry soon! Good Luck Everyone Hope I helped!