I Want To Breed Cichlids!

[comocrayfish5]

i just want to start off saying that i have had fish (goldfish, livebearers, crustaceans, bettas, etc) for many years now and lately i have been interested in cichlids. it is my understanding that they are quite easy to breed and i kind of want to try . i just read the sticky about breeding krib cichlids. it said you can breed them in a tank 15 gal or bigger, well i have a 20 gal. i have molly fry in there now but i am moving them today and i was going to put goldfish back in there, but i could get cichlids instead!
so the point of this thread is to ask any one who has/ has bred cichlids to tell me about them. i want to learn about them and breeding. please note that i might not get cichlids and might just get goldies instead. if i feel like i dont know enough about cichlids, i will not get them and research, then get them if my 20 gal is still unoccupied.

talk cichlids to me!!!!

thanks in advance!

 

[D4n.gr33n]

Kribensis are dwarf cichlids growing not where near as big as other cichlids 3-4 inches max, and fairly simply and easy to keep. Being fairy cheap its a good place to start with breeding and keeping cichlids just give them a good cave i.e. upturned plant pot or coconut half and you'll be on your way in know time.

also cichlids show a lot of aggression when breeding so i wouldn't stock it with anything that can't handle them

 

[eggo]

i think you should start with your water parameters inc PH GH/KH.

 

[comocrayfish5]

D4n.gr33n:
i have been looking up videos on youtube on how to breed cichlids and no one actually says how, so i am confused on what to do. i do know that cichlids can/ will be aggressive when spawning.

eggo:
at the moment the tank is just a molly fry tank now, but i can tell you that the pH in my tanks stays at a constant 7.2- 7.3, the nitrates are very, very,very low, the water stays soft and there are no nitrites. what are the suggested water parameters for cichlids? the water quality can be changed to fit the needs of the cichlids.

 

[eggo]

have a look here this may help

Water Chemistry

 

[D4n.gr33n]

D4n.gr33n:
i have been looking up videos on youtube on how to breed cichlids and no one actually says how, so i am confused on what to do. i do know that cichlids can/ will be aggressive when spawning.

from past experience with breeding kribs and from resources i used at the time on the internet i found that kribs prefer the lay they're eggs on the roof of a cave n guard the eggs at the entrance than lay them on a flat surface(i sure they do tho). all you need is a mature male and female and maybe some live food to condition them n leave them too it. the signs are obvious as well. the female i had would show off her red belly to the male whilst shaking.

 

[comocrayfish5]

ok thanks!

 

[comocrayfish5]

now i did read the sticky about breeding these and he shows the male and female, but i was on youtube and the guy said that another way to tell male and female is to look at the dorsal and anal fin. on females these fins would be rounded and on the male they would be pointed. so far all the videos i have seen, this is correct.

 

[kribensis12]

Kribensis are easy to sex once you know what you are looking for. It's not just one specific factor that shows, its combined traits. This is my guideline:

Males:
Torpedo shaped body. Pectoral and anal fins are usually a blue color. The black band running along the side tends to be bigger and bolder. They normally have elongated fins. They don't show much color in their stomachs, and if they do it will be a minute amount of red or purple. They are usually larger than the female and their mouths and gill plates seem to be more pronounced (just started noticing that).

Females:
A lot of gold on her dorsal fins is a common trait. She has a rounded stomach. It dips down a little bit and her body will be more compact. Her band on her side is normally not as pronouced. Her stomach should contain a large amount of red or purple. Her pectoral and anal fins will NEVER be blue. I have yet to see a female that this does not hold true for. Max size is generally 3 inches (they can get bigger though. It's happened to me). That is still smaller than a 4+ inch adult male. Her mouth is a little smaller. Her fins should be rounded, but I've seen a couple females where this is not the case.

REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU HEAR OR READ, egg spots DO NOT indicate that it is a male or female. BOTH can have them. Not all do. It's not a sexual characteristic like mouthbrooding Mbuna ect.

To breed them, put several caves in there. Feed frequently (up to 2x times daily), with good quality, high protein flakes, pellets, or live food. I know you might be tempted because you have had goldfish, but do not feed them goldfish food. Its not good enough for them. Do weekly 25% water changes with COLD tap water. It helps simulate a raining cycle which regulates their breeding in the wild. They should be at it in no time.

 

[comocrayfish5]

thanks. i just cleaned and put gravel and decor back in my 20 gal. for now i will just get the goldfish and research about cichlids. as of now i have to really decide if i love cichlids, because i dont usually look at them in the pet stores. if i ever get another tank that is big enough, i might first get them to have as pets to see if i like them, but we will see what happens. thanks for all of the good info. i would go out and get cichlids food or possibly even frozen krill (if they eat that) i really love getting the frozen food for the fish!