How to Breed Cichlids

How to Breed Cichlids is a recurring topic that is discussed among hobbyists because they are a very popular and diverse species. Cichlids are well known for their interesting breeding behavior and colorful characteristics. They all practice parental care and are a great favorite with aquarists. There is, however a minor drawback for the aspiring breeder with a species that defends and protects their young. The fish will tend to become territorial and attack any potential enemies that venture into their “terrain”. In the aquarium this territory may be guarded even when not breeding, and some fish will consider the entire aquarium as their territory. It is therefore better for most cichlids to have their own breeding tank. Some of the smaller ones, dwarf cichlids, are able to be kept in a community providing that the tank is large enough. One very popular species of cichlid, the Angelfish, is usually quite trouble free and easily kept in a community tank.

Breeding behaviors of cichlids
Often cichlids will lock mouths with other fish, appearing to “kiss” each other. However this is not a display of affection, quite the contrary- it is a “mouth fight” and test of strength. Males (and occasionally females) will wrestle in this way in a clash over territory or potential breeding mates. Sometimes a newly formed couple will “mouth fight’ each other and this is thought to be a kind of test of the determination of the potential partner and a way of discovering if they will be suitable and “up to” the task of defending the future brood.

Sometimes, when a pair of cichlids have been placed in a tank to themselves, the male may attack the female. The likely reason being that the male has such a strong instinct to defend and fight off others, that he attacks the only fish available. A strategy to solve this problem if the tank is large enough it can be partitioned

The question about how to breed cichlids when they are such territorial creatures can be largely solved by giving them the right environment with plenty of sheltered areas and hiding places made of rocks and plants. They also need to be in excellent health and have the best possible quality water in the aquarium. They need to be well fed in preparation for a rather lengthy period of from two to four weeks with little or no food while caring for eggs, particularly the mouth brooders.

When starting out breeding cichlids it is advisable to choose a hardy variety that is not too demanding such as the Convict Cichlid which only grows to around 4 inches and is quite easy to breed. Other good examples are German Blue Rams and Angelfish.