Cichlid breeding on the whole can be very easy although with some breeds it can be much harder. The most important thing is to make sure your fish are healthy and in good shape. This can simply be by making sure they are well fed, the water temperature is right and their environment is stress free and suitable for the fish.
Having good water filters and regularly carrying out water changes will help to keep the tank pollutant free. It is also good to invest in a heater to maintain the water temperature. When in the breeding stage the temperature should be raised a few degrees above the normal temperature, and this should be done over a few days with a couple of degrees raised each day so you don't subject the fish to a sudden huge difference in water temperature
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Having several female Cichlids per male is advisable as this will cut down a single female being bullied by the male and relieve the stress that it may cause. Food should be varied and high in proteins as this will help the Cichlids greatly, but make sure not to overfeed as this can hinder breeding.
There are several ways Cichlids breed. Open brooders such as angelfish will spawn on open surfaces such as rocks or on the tank floor, whereas Shelter brooders will either lay their eggs in sheltered areas such as caves, flowerpots and cavities or will carry their eggs and fry in their mouths. These 2 types are commonly known as Cavity brooders, such as the Apistogramma and Mouth brooders such as Aulonocara.
Open brooders usually lay way more eggs, up to 10,000 in some cases whereas shelter brooders will lay up to 300, this is probably due to the sheltered eggs having a much higher rate of survival, being as they are, in sheltered locations.
Keep an eye on all fish in the tank when breeding occurs, as territorial battles or just simple egg defense can make both female and male Cichlids aggressive. Sometimes it is advisable to add dividers to the tank if things are not looking too good for some fish or if you are worried other fish might try and eat the eggs or fry.
Once hatched most fry will eat their own egg sacs at first and after a few days can be fed small brine shrimp and crushed flakes. With frequent feeding, good diets and good water conditions the babies will grow rapidly and healthy.
You can check out more great tips and secrets at The Cichlid Fish Center
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Having several female Cichlids per male is advisable as this will cut down a single female being bullied by the male and relieve the stress that it may cause. Food should be varied and high in proteins as this will help the Cichlids greatly, but make sure not to overfeed as this can hinder breeding.
There are several ways Cichlids breed. Open brooders such as angelfish will spawn on open surfaces such as rocks or on the tank floor, whereas Shelter brooders will either lay their eggs in sheltered areas such as caves, flowerpots and cavities or will carry their eggs and fry in their mouths. These 2 types are commonly known as Cavity brooders, such as the Apistogramma and Mouth brooders such as Aulonocara.
Open brooders usually lay way more eggs, up to 10,000 in some cases whereas shelter brooders will lay up to 300, this is probably due to the sheltered eggs having a much higher rate of survival, being as they are, in sheltered locations.
Keep an eye on all fish in the tank when breeding occurs, as territorial battles or just simple egg defense can make both female and male Cichlids aggressive. Sometimes it is advisable to add dividers to the tank if things are not looking too good for some fish or if you are worried other fish might try and eat the eggs or fry.
Once hatched most fry will eat their own egg sacs at first and after a few days can be fed small brine shrimp and crushed flakes. With frequent feeding, good diets and good water conditions the babies will grow rapidly and healthy.
You can check out more great tips and secrets at The Cichlid Fish Center
