I've been keeping fish for a long time - goldfish, livebearers, crustaceans, bettas, and more. Lately, I've developed a strong interest in cichlids. From what I've gathered, they're relatively easy to breed, and I'm considering giving it a shot. I recently read the sticky on breeding krib cichlids, which mentioned that a tank of 15 gallons or more is suitable for breeding. I happen to have a 20-gallon tank that's currently housing molly fry, but I'm moving them today. I was initially planning to put goldfish back in the tank, but now I'm thinking of getting cichlids instead.
I'd love to hear from anyone who has experience with cichlids, especially those who have bred them. I want to learn as much as I can about these fish and the breeding process. Keep in mind that I might not end up getting cichlids - I might stick with goldfish instead. If I don't feel confident in my knowledge of cichlids, I'll hold off and do more research before making a decision.
Looking forward to hearing about your experiences with cichlids!
Becoming a cichlid breeder
Re: Becoming a cichlid breeder
Kribensis are pretty cool, they're dwarf cichlids so they don't get nearly as big as some other cichlids, maxing out at 3-4 inches. They're also relatively simple to keep, which is a bonus. I think they're a great place to start with breeding and keeping cichlids, especially since they're pretty affordable. Just make sure you give them a good cave to call their own - something like an upturned plant pot or a coconut half - and you'll be off to a great start.
One thing to keep in mind is that cichlids can get pretty aggressive when they're breeding, so I wouldn't recommend stocking them with anything that can't handle themselves.
One thing to keep in mind is that cichlids can get pretty aggressive when they're breeding, so I wouldn't recommend stocking them with anything that can't handle themselves.
Re: Becoming a cichlid breeder
I think you should start with your water parameters, specifically pH, GH, and KH.
Re: Becoming a cichlid breeder
eolix7:
I've been watching YouTube vids on cichlid breeding and I'm still kinda lost - no one seems to actually explain the process. I do know cichlids get pretty aggressive when they spawn though.
lentoa:
My tank's currently a molly fry setup, but I can share my water parameters - pH's always around 7.2-7.3, nitrates are super low, water's soft, and no nitrites. What are the ideal water parameters for cichlids? I'm open to adjusting the water quality to suit their needs.
I've been watching YouTube vids on cichlid breeding and I'm still kinda lost - no one seems to actually explain the process. I do know cichlids get pretty aggressive when they spawn though.
lentoa:
My tank's currently a molly fry setup, but I can share my water parameters - pH's always around 7.2-7.3, nitrates are super low, water's soft, and no nitrites. What are the ideal water parameters for cichlids? I'm open to adjusting the water quality to suit their needs.
Re: Becoming a cichlid breeder
I found something that might help you out with breeding cichlids, have a look at this - it's all about water chemistry for them.
Re: Becoming a cichlid breeder
eolix7:
I've been trying to learn about breeding cichlids from YouTube videos, but it seems like no one actually explains the process. I do know that cichlids can get pretty aggressive when they're spawning, so that's something to keep in mind.
From what I've read and past experience with kribs, I think they prefer to lay their eggs on the roof of a cave and then guard them at the entrance. I'm not sure if they'll lay them on flat surfaces or not, but that's just what I've found. To breed them, you'll need a mature male and female, and maybe some live food to condition them. Then just leave them to it. The signs are pretty obvious, like when the female shows off her red belly to the male while shaking.
I've been trying to learn about breeding cichlids from YouTube videos, but it seems like no one actually explains the process. I do know that cichlids can get pretty aggressive when they're spawning, so that's something to keep in mind.
From what I've read and past experience with kribs, I think they prefer to lay their eggs on the roof of a cave and then guard them at the entrance. I'm not sure if they'll lay them on flat surfaces or not, but that's just what I've found. To breed them, you'll need a mature male and female, and maybe some live food to condition them. Then just leave them to it. The signs are pretty obvious, like when the female shows off her red belly to the male while shaking.
Re: Becoming a cichlid breeder
Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it.
Re: Becoming a cichlid breeder
i also came across another way to sex kribs on youtube - the guy said to check the dorsal and anal fins. from what i've seen, females have rounded fins, while males have pointed ones.
Re: Becoming a cichlid breeder
Kribensis are pretty easy to sex once you get the hang of it. It's not just one thing that gives it away, it's a combination of traits. For me, here's what works:
Males have a more streamlined body, and their pectoral and anal fins are usually a blue color. The black stripe running along their side is bigger and bolder, and they tend to have longer fins. They don't show much color on their belly, and if they do, it's just a hint of red or purple. They're usually larger than females, and their mouths and gill plates seem more pronounced.
Females, on the other hand, often have a lot of gold on their dorsal fins. They have a more rounded belly, and their body is more compact. The stripe on their side is less noticeable, and they've got a lot of red or purple color on their belly. Their pectoral and anal fins are never blue - I've never seen a female that breaks this rule. They max out at around 3 inches, but can get bigger. They're usually smaller than males, and their mouths are a bit smaller too. Their fins are typically rounded, but I've seen some females where this isn't the case.
One thing to keep in mind - egg spots don't necessarily mean it's a male or female. Both can have them, and not all do. It's not a reliable way to sex them.
To breed them, I'd recommend adding some caves to the tank. Feed them frequently - up to twice a day - with high-quality, high-protein food. Don't be tempted to feed them goldfish food, even if you're used to it. Do weekly 25% water changes with cold tap water - it helps simulate a rain cycle, which can trigger breeding. With a little luck, they should start breeding in no time.
Males have a more streamlined body, and their pectoral and anal fins are usually a blue color. The black stripe running along their side is bigger and bolder, and they tend to have longer fins. They don't show much color on their belly, and if they do, it's just a hint of red or purple. They're usually larger than females, and their mouths and gill plates seem more pronounced.
Females, on the other hand, often have a lot of gold on their dorsal fins. They have a more rounded belly, and their body is more compact. The stripe on their side is less noticeable, and they've got a lot of red or purple color on their belly. Their pectoral and anal fins are never blue - I've never seen a female that breaks this rule. They max out at around 3 inches, but can get bigger. They're usually smaller than males, and their mouths are a bit smaller too. Their fins are typically rounded, but I've seen some females where this isn't the case.
One thing to keep in mind - egg spots don't necessarily mean it's a male or female. Both can have them, and not all do. It's not a reliable way to sex them.
To breed them, I'd recommend adding some caves to the tank. Feed them frequently - up to twice a day - with high-quality, high-protein food. Don't be tempted to feed them goldfish food, even if you're used to it. Do weekly 25% water changes with cold tap water - it helps simulate a rain cycle, which can trigger breeding. With a little luck, they should start breeding in no time.
Re: Becoming a cichlid breeder
Thanks for all the info, I really appreciate it. I just cleaned and put gravel and decor back in my 20 gal, and for now I think I'll just get the goldfish and do some more research about cichlids. To be honest, I've never really paid much attention to cichlids at the pet store, so I need to decide if I really love them before I commit. If I ever get another tank that's big enough, I might get them just to have as pets and see if I like them, but we'll see what happens. I'm definitely considering getting cichlid food or even frozen krill if they eat that - I love getting frozen food for my fish, it's so much fun!
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