At what age do Mbuna cichlids breed?

If you have a large enough tank, do your water changes, and have the correct male female ratio (for breeding purposes at least 1 male for every 3 females), they will breed as soon as they reach sexual maturity. This can take anywhere from 4 months to a year, sometimes even longer.

Can African cichlids crossbreed?

Hybridisation is quite common within African Cichlids. Many mbuna, particularly ones that look similar, will hybridise with one another. Hybrids are rare in the wild, in places such as Lake Malawi. On a practical level, hybrids result in problems for fellow fish-keepers and enjoyers of the hobby.

What is the best temperature for cichlids to breed?

Temperature ~75°F The optimum aquarium temperature for Cichlids is around 72°F – 82°F (22°C-28°C). Higher temperatures will require less aquarium stocking.

How long do cichlids keep babies in mouth?

She lays her eggs in the nest and he fertilizes them. Then she picks up the eggs in her mouth and carries them until they hatch. The eggs will hatch between 10-15 days after fertilization. The female then hold the babies in her mouth for up to two more weeks, occasionally letting them out to feed them.

How many eggs does cichlids lay at once?

Oreochromis aureus: 160 – 1,600
Cichlid/Clutch size

Why are my cichlids chasing each other?

Most cichlid movements are either threats or flirting. Shimmying or shaking of the fins and tail are usually signs of flirtation. I’ve also seen circular chasing and nipping or kissing (where the two fish grab each other’s mouths) prior to mating. Chasing across the tank is more often a sign of aggression.

Can 2 different cichlids breed?

Yes I have. Hybrids are quite common in the cichlid hobby. Almost any Central American cichlid will hybridize with any other. Many of the mbuna (rock dwelling cichlids from Lake Malawi) will hybridize with each other.

Does warmer water make cichlids more aggressive?

On the other hand, the increase in temperature had no effect on the fish’s aggressive behavior, neither for isolated nor for grouped fish. We concluded that C. paranaense shows high tolerance to elevated temperatures and, in turn, it does not affect aggressive behavior.

How hot is too hot for cichlids?

The point is, whatever cichlids you keep, make sure you try to maintain that safe range, which most experts will say is between 76-80 degrees Fahrenheit.