Any tips on getting cichlids to breed?

I have two daffodil cichlids, and they are supposedly mated, but they have yet to breed in the six months that I have had them. And tips?

those apparently like a cave to spawn in so I would guess a flower pot would work also a lot of african cichlids you can trigger spawning by doing a WC and putting cold water backinto the tank this makes the fish think thee rainy season is here

and feed them worms and mysis or brine shrimp

cold water huh... ill have to try that. I have read about it somewhere but i have never actually done that:) thanks

Cold water definitely helps. My fish always get their groove on when we do water changes.

yeah i usually warm up the water cuz i feel bad when i give em cold water, but i will try it next change which is tomorrow.

I am sure this is common sense. . . but just in case. . . be sure the water is too cold, you don't want to shock the fish. As long as there is only a couple degree difference in the whole tank by the time you are done, it should be good.

nice to see some people jumping in to help

be proud of your forum.

So I did the water change, and although the daffodils didn't dance, others did:D i was happy<3

damn i cant find a censor smiley
LOL

steelhead wrote:those apparently like a cave to spawn in so I would guess a flower pot would work also a lot of african cichlids you can trigger spawning by doing a WC and putting cold water backinto the tank this makes the fish think thee rainy season is here

and feed them worms and mysis or brine shrimp

i agree. give them a pot of something they can feel save having their babies and youll b good to go lol. and im not for sure but i know with some breeds your need a few females per a male when trying to get the to breed cause once the male gets going he wont stop and she may die . so i would say just kinda look into the breed you are trying to mate. then sit back and wait for your new babies lol

yeah i looked in about the daffodil cichlids and they don't need a harem, but they do need a cave, which i do have a couple set up around the tank, and there is one cave in particular that they spend all the time in, just no babies for months:(

just be patient and i am sure it will happen eventually and for goodness sake quit watching them they would like some privacy when tehy are trying to get busy

well maybe they liked being watch!!!! lol

drudown66 wrote:well maybe they liked being watch!!!! lol

dont go there.

Mine were breeding like rabbits so I pulled the cave out to slow them down and they spawned right on the glass. I put the cave back and now they won't even go in it. They are now spawning on driftwood. When they are ready and start you can't stop them I don't even pull the fry anymore and 10 to 15 still make it because they create a family clan. The larger fry will protect the smaller fry. Kinda funny watching a 1 inch fish chase away a 4 inch petricola.

XD then i guess ill just wait for them:)

All the cichlids I have are mouth brooders only my plecos require a cave. Storylover, best of luck on yours, a major water change always get my plecos in the mood...

Good luck! Hope you get babies soon!!

The best tip was the black worms and shrimp. Both are high in protien required for egg prdduction. Also do your H2O a couple days before a full moon.

water changes is good

yes cooler water to induce,simulate spring,,,,,,BUT dont just say cold water,,if you did a 30% water change,,with cold water at 40 degrees f.,,you can drop water in tank from 80 to 60 degrees. THIS CAN KILL FISH, not being a jerk here, but perhaps it would be better info for people to say,,,feed heavy for 2 weeks with live/feozen foods, then over a weeks time do 3 20% water changes with water 10 degrees f. cooler than tank water. by simply saying cold water,,,problems can occur easily. hope this didnt make anyone mad. btw i breed marine fish, coral, catfish, african cichs from 3 lakes, discus, south and central cichs, and others for 20 plus years...not a newbie

tongareefer71 wrote:yes cooler water to induce,simulate spring,,,,,,BUT dont just say cold water,,if you did a 30% water change,,with cold water at 40 degrees f.,,you can drop water in tank from 80 to 60 degrees. THIS CAN KILL FISH, not being a jerk here, but perhaps it would be better info for people to say,,,feed heavy for 2 weeks with live/feozen foods, then over a weeks time do 3 20% water changes with water 10 degrees f. cooler than tank water. by simply saying cold water,,,problems can occur easily. hope this didnt make anyone mad. btw i breed marine fish, coral, catfish, african cichs from 3 lakes, discus, south and central cichs, and others for 20 plus years...not a newbie

it might tonga but your point is well taken, it needs explained in a little better detail as to the appropriate water temp, etc. some people see colder water and may just try to fill a tank full of icewater.

thanks,,wetwebmedia.com ran by pros like robert fenner, and steven pro is a help site that list some more options on getting fish to spawn and thanks raptor btw cant wait till spring to darter hunt around your area!

Yeah I'll take procotions with the water changes, and I will try the protein as a way to start these babies up.

ok well perhaps i should have been clearer but I keep my tanks at 82 and the water comes out of my tap at 70 year round unless I add a little hot water to it