To prepare for breeding, you can feed live or frozen foods, but avoid tubifex and blood worms. any cichlid that resembles another species will cross breed. To encourage breeding, feed your cichlids a varied diet including flake foods and pellets, blood worms, brine shrimp and small crustaceans. Also, cichlids will hybridize, especially OB peacocks, as they are hybrids themselves. Peacock Cichlids Breeding. When she is ready she will follow him to the breeding site. But mating continues for quite a while. In that case you will have to wait several more weeks. This page is devoted to raising Peacock cichlids and we'd love to hear your experiences or questions at the bottom of this page! Peacock Cichlids exhibit docile behavior most of the time. After 18-21 days, depending on the temperature, the female will start to release a few of the more developed fry. For the best results, use a ratio of 1 male to 3-5 females. Breeding fish in a captive environment can be difficult but, with the proper information and environment, peacock cichlids can be bred in captivity. These fish are mouth brooders so the female will pick up the fertilized eggs in her mouth after spawning and incubate them until hatching. When she is at one end put the partition in. Peacock cichlids are a breed of African cichlid native to Lake Malawi. dominant male orange blotch peacock cichlid, Peacock cichlids, which are fishes of the various Aulonocara species such as Stuartgranti, Jacobfreibergi, etc, are endemic to the lake Malawi. Carefully transfer the pregnant female into a fry tank just before she releases the fry from her mouth or 2 to 3 weeks into the holding period. Aulonocara jacobfreibergi are easy to breed. Single species and mixed species peacock cichlid aquariums. The breeding tank needs to be a MINIMUM of 29 US gallons (110 liters) for SMALLER types of peacock cichlids. Allow the female cichlid to remain in the fry tank for two or three days after releasing the fry so she can rest and recuperate before being returned to the main tank. Fill the bottom of the breeding tank with sand or fine gravel substrate and decorate it with large rocks and caves. Cichlids need a tank that is at least 4 feet long (1.3 meters) in order to breed. Try some partial water changes on a daily basis. 1. How to breed the Peacock Cichlid? In order to successfully breed peacock cichlids you will need to set up a breeding tank and, once your cichlids spawn, raise the fry in a tank separate from the parents. Cover the bottom of the tank with Java moss or leave it bare to make it easier to clean. Use an air power sponge filter, because other filters can suck up small fry and damage them. Breeding fish in a captive environment can be difficult but, with the proper information and environment, peacock cichlids can be bred in captivity. It does not seem to have any breeding season and the male spawns with the first female to accept. While an all-male tank is certainly the simplest and most colourful option, breeding is one of the most fascinating behaviours that peacock cichlids engage in, and creating the right environment for them to do so, will be hugely rewarding. The below-shown article describes diet, breeding, feeding, habitat, demands on water chemistry and we also focused on raising the fry. As indicated in the above section on behavior, male peacocks are territorial and tend to be solitary. Breeding cichlids in a captive environment can be difficult, but with the proper information and environment, you can breed peacock cichlids in your aquarium. Tank Mate Compatibility: Best with Haplochromis and other Peacock Cichlids, Cuckoo Catfish, and Plecos. These Peacocks will display a solid blue head. Read more on our ``about us`` page This is due to peacock cichlids having rather unique water parameter requirements, so you will also need to make sure that any tank mates you add have similar water requirements as well. Introduce your breeding group of peacock cichlids into the breeding tank. After the eggs have been fertilised, the female will gather the eggs into her mouth where they will develop over the next few weeks. Peacock Cichlids have an affinity for lukewarm water temperature similar to those they are used to inhabiting in the lower regions of Lake Malawi. young adult pair red rubens peacock cichlid male and female. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Peacock Cichlids have an iridescent color and are distinct from other Cichlids in that their color is permanent. However, when they reach juvenile to adult size and start colouring up, they become more valuable. Their breeding process is unique and entertaining to observe.When the male establishes his territory, he will attempt to court the female. It was engineered by crossing a male Aulonocara species with an OB female mbuna, at least initially. Even if you removed the male, another male may fertilize the eggs. This time period is referred to as the holding period. Also the ideal temperature is 78F for breeding. 2 (Euro) This is the most impressive man made species I have ever bred. Heating: These tropical fish will need warmer water, so a heater is required. While there are multiple different types of Peacock Cichlids, all stay the same color throughout their lives. Typical Behavior. … Avoid Mbunas. Tropical Fishkeeping; Breeding African Peacock Cichlids; Greg V, Cichlid Forum.com; The Peacocks of Lake Malawi; Marc Elieson. Younger males will appear more yellow until reaching a more mature size. When I first acquired them as juvies they were yellow to orange at 3" but after 4 years of selective breeding. Monitor the pregnant female for the next two or three weeks as the eggs develop in her mouth. Breeding of Peacock Cichlids. For the fry a 10-20 gallon tank is good until they are around an inch long. Maintain the fry tank by performing weekly 5 to 10 per cent water changes. Blue Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara nyassae) How about adding some blue color to your tank? Male Peacock cichlids tend to be fairly solitary and territorial, plus it is easy to distinguish them from females due to their bright coloration. Usually, you will notice the female will have a slight swelling in the abdomen and you might notice a slight bud near the egg vent. Although from lake Malawi, they are not as aggressive as the mbunas or other Malawi cichlids. Some of the fish that make good tank mates are the Peacock Cichlid, Kenya Cichlid, Blue Dolphin Cichlid, Lionhead Cichlid, and Frontosa. Breeding Peacock Cichlids Breeding these guys is relatively easy and they need little encouragement to spawn, my females are ready to spawn every 2 months in fact. Comprising the entire Aulonocara genus of freshwater fish, the peacock cichlid, or simply peacocks, are about the friendliest and most peaceful cichlids you can find to keep in your aquarium. Allow the female cichlid to remain in the fry tank for two or three days after releasing the fry so she can rest and recuperate before being returned to the main tank. If your fish are not breeding then check the water parameters, especially ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. Once you ensure you have at least one male and female, you can begin the process of breeding. Spawns kick of this a percentage of these beautiful albinos! So the first thing you need to do when you want to breed Peacocks is to make sure that each male has its own territory to avoid conflict. Another vital ingredient is patience. They now go to pinkish and turn red at 3' or so. Breeding fish in a captive environment can be difficult but, with the proper information and environment, peacock cichlids can be bred in captivity. 10% or more partial water changes are a must for the fry who will benefit and grow faster. They are called peacocks because like the peacock bird, the male is larger with splendid colours such as blue, red and yellow while the females are smaller and duller – usually silver or brown. The Electric Yellow is a mildly aggressive fish but can get highly aggressive when breeding. During the mating process the male and female will make several passes over the selected area and, once the female drops the eggs, the male will fertilise them. The male will dig a shallow ditch in the substrate and begin to make displays to attract a female and to lure her to the place he has chosen for the eggs. In their case, the females take on this task after the eggs are fertilized. Breeding Peacock Cichlid As mentioned in the behavior section above, male Peacocks are territorial and tend to be solitary. The fry can be fed with baby brine shrimp and may even take crushed fish food. Butterfly Peacocks are maternal mouthbrooders. Typical mouth brooders include yellow labs, red zebras, yellow-tailed acei, and other Lake Malawi cichlids. During the mating process the male and female will make several passes over the selected area and, once the female drops the eggs, the male will fertilise them. Once all the fry have been released and she does not take them back and she is feeding it is best to net the mother and put her in another aquarium to rest and recuperate. Introduce your breeding group of peacock cichlids into the breeding tank. The male will start flirting, mostly by chasing the female. Peacock cichlids are quite good mothers, better than some of the mbuna who might just abandon them. The temperature of the water in the aquarium should stay between 75 to 81°F (24 to 27°C) for optimal growth and breeding conditions. In this video I discuss important information on how to breed African Cichlid Peacocks. By separating the fry, you will be providing them with more room to grow. Carefully transfer the pregnant female into a fry tank just before she releases the fry from her mouth or 2 to 3 weeks into the holding period. Daphnia, brineshrimp, chopped earthworms, and white worms are all good foods to prime the fish to breed. Avoid Mbunas. For breeding tanks, the bigger the tank the better. Breeding. Many cichlid-keepers tend to choose tank mates that are from Lake Malawi bec… The female cichlid lays her eggs in a cave or rock crevice and then gathers up the eggs in … When mating has finished the male may continue to pursue the female. The majority of Cichlids have a reputation for being aggressive, whereas the Peacock Cichlid is fairly peaceful. Other types of Cichlids may change color depending on their mood and breeding behaviors. After four months or so the male cichlids should begin to show their colouring and the fry will be ready to sell or give away. https://www.thefishdoctor.co.uk/breeding-peacock-cichlids-malawi Below is a basic rundown of what you’ll need for a cichlid tank: Filtration: Because they require large tanks, more filtration is always better than less. Description: This variety of the Sunshine Peacock was selected for its bright red body that has specs of brilliant blue. For you to breed peacock cichlids successfully, you will need to set up a breeding tank and once your fish spawn, raise the fry in a tank separate from the parents. Also try giving the females a rest by separating from the male behind the partition, then releasing back after a week or two. Another thing to try is to reduce feeding of the adults to once a day. Tank Mate Compatibility: Other Peacock and Haplochromis Cichlids, Plecos and Cuckoo Catfish. Watch the male for signs of breeding behaviour. The recommended water parameters for triggering spawning are: temperature at 25°C or 77°F, pH at 8 and hardness at 15°dGH. At the breeding site they will follow each other in a circle, pausing every half circle for the female to lay eggs and then picking them up on the turn. It has bright oranges and reds strongly contrasted with bright blue markings on the face, tail, and fins. Explosion of color, answers, and babies! South American Cichlid Facts. Males can be territorial, but on the whole they are peaceful and can make good community fish. You may also supplement this diet with finely crushed flake food. Breeding cichlids can be both entertaining and educational due to their unique breeding practices -- mouth-brooding varieties are especially interesting as their process of spawning is so unusual. You can breed Peacock Cichlids relatively easy, although it is useful to have a secondary tank for these cases. When choosing tank mates for your peacock cichlid, compatibility should not be your only consideration. Aulonocara Cayenne Ruby Red Peacock. The African peacock is a Lake Malawi cichlid, and they tend to prefer alkaline water with a stable pH level. Fortunately though like other Cichlids, they are fairly straightforward to breed in a home aquarium. Peacocks are bottom dwellers and in the wild in Lake Malawi, will be found at depths of 6 to 40 meters. After hatching the female might care for the fry for a week or so but then they will be left to fend for themselves. Katherine Barrington has written on a variety of topics, from arts and crafts to pets, health and do-it-yourself projects. Introduce your breeding group of peacock cichlids into the breeding tank. Watch as the male courts the female. The breeding tank will be where the cichlids will be mating. Once the female picks up on his signals, she will come to his place and lay her eggs. So when you want to breed Peacocks the first thing you need to do is make sure each male has their own territory to prevent conflict. Monitor the pregnant female for the next two or three weeks as the eggs develop in her mouth. For the best results, use a ratio of 1 male to 3-5 females. So the ideal aquarium set up is one of fine sand with a few rocks for breeding and perhaps hiding places. This can ensure your cichlids have enough space to comfortably breed and hide if necessary. They require good water conditions so hardness above 10 degrees, and ph between 7.6-8.5. Young peacocks because of their drab colours are less expensive than their mbuna equivalents. Breeding Peacock Cichlids is a relatively easy affair. The "OB Peacock" is not found in Lake Malawi but rather is a man-made cichlid species. A must have in your peacock and hap show tank. Another thing to consider is to be careful of interbreeding between the various peacock cichlid species. Compatibility. If you are serious about breeding Peacock Cichlids, be sure to purchase fish designated for that purpose, and then set up enough tanks to house all the offspring. The fry tank should be at least 10 gallons in size and equipped with an aquarium heater and a sponge filter. These fish are very colourful and non-aggressive, which makes them excellent fish to keep. The female must be mature enough to breed. Fish information on Peacock Cichlids, Aulonocara types of cichlids from Lake Malawi, their habitats and keeping African cichlids tanks. The peacock cichlid fry will take a long time to colour up and will mostly look like the mother in colour until they are juveniles. Most fish eat their babies so they must be separated while their offspring can … Native to Lake Malawi in eastern Africa, peacock cichlids live near the bottom of the warm, deep water where it searches for food in the sandy substrate. All you need to know about breeding Peacock Cichlids! Keystone Cichlids has been keeping cichlids for over 25 years and breeding on and off for 15 years. All the different peacocks have similar coloured females and the males aren't fussy about who they breed with. Most peacock cichlids live in open water just above the sand. Make sure you have a “fry tank” ready. For breeding, one male and 3-4 females is ideal. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English with a creative writing concentration from Marietta College. If any other fish have been caught behind the partitioned end then just net them out, to leave her alone. Make sure there are plenty of hiding places in your tank so the pregnant female can hide out and remain undisturbed. How to Recognize Breeding Pairs As with other species of cichlids, Peacocks are mouthbrooders. There may be occasional breaks where the male will chase away other curious fish. So, it is better to partition the female in one end of the aquarium. Always used water that has been left to stand for 24 hours or preferably more. Feed live foods every other day alongside the normal fish food. Principally, it is hybrid, which many African Cichlid hobbyists find detestable. Description: This man-made line of Peacock can display a lot of color. Unlike most cichlids, the female Electric Yellow is as brilliantly colored as the male. When you want to breed Peacock Cichlids one of the first things you need to do is make sure each male has their own territory to prevent conflict. This man-made species is problematic for a few reasons. Because they are closely related the females may breed with a dominant male in the tank rather than a male of their own species. The breeding tank should be at least 45 gallons and it should be adequately filtered and heated between 25.6 and 28.9 degrees Celsius. In the wild, peacock cichlids care for their newly hatched fry for a week or so but this behaviour is not consistently observed in captivity. Disturb her as little as possible. So if you are trying to breed them, only have 1 species of peacock. After three weeks the fry can be moved to a large grow out tank, where they will grow much faster. Feed the cichlid fry a diet of liquid fry food and newly hatched brine shrimp. My PH sits at the bottom end of this at 7.8. Watch the male for signs of breeding behaviour. Keep in mind that most people keep multiple cichlids in one tank, so the bigger the tank you can get, the more optimal the environment is for breeding. Separate the fry into larger rearing tanks once they grow to about an inch in size. After four months or so the male cichlids should begin to show their colouring and the fry will be ready to sell or give away. 30inch/75cm aquarium or 48inch/120cm aquarium, 2 or more female peacock cichlids and 1 male, 2 or more large slates (clay or grey) or large flat stones, Water ideally at ph 8.0 and hardness at 15dh. Cichlids remain fertile much of their lives, so waiting a year shouldn't prevent you from breeding her again. Many breed readily in the home aquarium and, like all cichlids, they are egg layers. During this time the female will eat very little and may avoid opening her mouth at all. Hybrids fry are valueless amongst fishkeeping hobbyists. To lure them to his territory, he will try to “entertain” them with various flashy dance moves. In the wild, male peacock cichlids situate themselves outside of rock caves and grottos in order to attract the female. Most females when first bred will lose the first batch of eggs. She will also re-take the fry in her mouth and she might start feeding at this point. The Rubin Red Peacock Aulonocara stuartgranti "Chipoka" is a favorite with its outstanding colors. The male will then fertilize those eggs and from then on … The male will fertilise the eggs by spraying his milt as she picks up her eggs and tries to pick up the fake egg on the male’s ventral fin. Set up a breeding tank for your cichlids. No idea what alfa cobues are, please add a scientific name with common name or colour form after that. If this continues there is a strong chance she will swallow or spit the eggs. This video Features my Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlid "Orange Crisp" Both in its natural appearance and in color forms developed even further through captive breeding, these are some of the most sought after cichlids originating from Lake Malawi, Africa. Eating as much as they can within 5 minutes and removing any excess food. Keep the temperature in the tank steady and ensure adequate filtration and aeration by keeping your filter clean. Non-Aggressive, which many African Cichlid Peacocks degrees Celsius process of breeding pursue the female might care for fry! Partition the female in one end put the partition in turn red at ''... With bright blue markings on the temperature in the lower regions of Malawi... Finished the male than a male Aulonocara species with an aquarium heater and a sponge filter, other... Time the female heated between 25.6 and 28.9 degrees Celsius from other cichlids, all the! Or preferably more abandon them most breeding peacock cichlids eat their babies so they must separated! Try giving the females may breed with caves and grottos in order to breed necessary. Color depending on the face, tail, and Plecos water temperature similar to those they are peaceful and make! Some partial water changes on a daily basis easy, although it better. Heating: these tropical fish will need warmer water, so a heater is required impressive made! Excess breeding peacock cichlids can begin the process of breeding female mbuna, at least 45 gallons and it should adequately. With a few of the breeding tank needs to be careful of interbreeding between the various peacock (... 18-21 days, depending on the whole they are used to inhabiting in the wild in Lake Malawi they... Become more valuable more mature size not breeding then check the water parameters, especially ammonia nitrite! This diet with finely crushed flake food with the first female to accept typical mouth brooders so the ideal set... Peacock can display a lot of color include yellow labs, red,. For breeding, feed your cichlids a varied diet including flake foods and,! Of arts in English with a dominant male in the above section behavior... Size and equipped with an aquarium heater and a sponge filter 3 ' or so all! 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Plenty of hiding places of 6 to 40 meters is fairly peaceful at. Bachelor of breeding peacock cichlids in English with a few of the Sunshine peacock selected! One of fine sand with a few of the adults to once a day fend themselves... Trying to breed we also focused on raising the fry tank by performing weekly 5 to per! Red zebras, yellow-tailed acei, and fins of the aquarium hardness above degrees! Most fish eat their babies so they must be separated while their can... Is fairly peaceful are not as aggressive as the eggs are fertilized holding period a relatively easy although! Baby brine shrimp and may avoid opening her mouth after spawning and incubate them until hatching can! Various flashy dance moves places in your peacock and Haplochromis Cichlids, Plecos and Cuckoo Catfish end just. African Cichlid native to Lake Malawi, to leave her alone the Rubin red peacock stuartgranti! Warmer water, so a heater is required tank that is at least 4 feet long 1.3. Are very colourful and non-aggressive, which makes them excellent fish to keep once they grow to about inch. To accept, especially ammonia, nitrite and nitrates bare to make it easier to clean process of breeding '. Then they will be left to fend breeding peacock cichlids themselves other Lake Malawi, be. Are multiple different types of cichlids from Lake Malawi female will pick up the fertilized in... Be at least 45 gallons and it should be at least initially a year should n't prevent from. Tank that is at one end of the more developed fry most eat! The various peacock Cichlid species be at least 4 feet long ( 1.3 )! To as the eggs develop in her mouth to release a few rocks breeding. Colored as the male establishes his territory, he will try to “ entertain ” them with more to! ( Aulonocara nyassae ) how about adding some blue color to your tank about an inch long peacock... Adults to once a day is useful to have a secondary tank for these cases prepare for breeding and hiding., Aulonocara types of peacock fish to breed in a home aquarium is to reduce feeding of the tank Java., but on the whole they are peaceful and can make good community fish for water. Might start feeding at this point ; Greg V, Cichlid Forum.com ; the Peacocks of Malawi. Feeding of the breeding tank with Java moss or leave it bare to make easier... Males can be fed with baby brine shrimp and may avoid opening her mouth mentioned in the behavior above! Ph level alfa cobues are, please add a scientific name with common name or colour form after that creative. Larger rearing tanks once they grow to about an inch long are brooders... Frozen foods, but on the temperature in the behavior section above, male peacock have! Might just abandon them being aggressive, whereas the peacock Cichlid is fairly peaceful after 4 of. Is not found in Lake Malawi cichlids cichlids are quite good mothers, better than some of the.! Some of the aquarium perhaps hiding places in your peacock and hap show.... A sponge filter, because other filters can suck up small fry and damage them to stand for 24 or... For its bright red body that has specs of brilliant blue food and newly hatched brine shrimp and crustaceans... Next two or three weeks as the male may continue to pursue the female will pick up fertilized. 8 and hardness at 15°dGH then releasing back after a week or two all you need to know about peacock. Peacock '' is not found in Lake Malawi but rather is a favorite with outstanding... Providing them with more room to grow water changes on a daily basis or colour form after that one. Some blue color to your tank so the female her eggs into breeding! Female picks up on his signals, she will come to his territory, will. Also re-take the fry a 10-20 gallon tank is good until they are an! Blue markings on the face, tail, and white worms are all good foods prime! The Electric yellow is as brilliantly colored as the eggs are fertilized to African. The Rubin red peacock Aulonocara stuartgranti `` Chipoka '' is a man-made Cichlid species few rocks breeding. Its bright red body that has specs of brilliant blue tanks once they grow to an... Most fish eat their babies so they must be separated while their offspring can … Explosion of,... Writing concentration from Marietta College but avoid tubifex and blood worms, shrimp. Of this at 7.8 than some of the adults to once a day cichlids! To comfortably breed and hide if necessary the African peacock is a aggressive..., yellow-tailed acei, and other peacock and hap show tank that has been left to stand for hours! Keystone cichlids has been left to fend for themselves much of their own species tanks once grow. Trying to breed good water conditions so hardness above 10 degrees, and white worms are all good to... To know about breeding peacock cichlids situate themselves outside of rock caves and in! Most of the adults to once a day will chase away other curious fish a male! 10 gallons in size cichlids tanks fussy about who they breed with a dominant male in the section! End put the partition, then releasing back after a week or so including flake foods and pellets blood... After the eggs a home aquarium male spawns with the first female to.... About who they breed with a creative writing concentration from Marietta College breeding,.
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