Breeding the cockatoo dwarf cichlid
Cave spawner: eggs are laid on the ceiling of a cave or crevice; the female cares for the eggs and fry while the male guards the territory. In small tanks the male may need removing.
Step by step
Keep one male with 2-3 females in a large tank. Males are bold; keep the group small.
A 20 gallon (75 L) tank with caves or coconut shells, 24-26 C and soft acidic water.
Soft, slightly acidic water and live foods. Females turn yellow when ready.
Usually about 80-125 eggs (reports up to 200); the female guards the fry until and for several weeks after they swim freely.
Feed baby brine shrimp and microworms. Remove the male after spawning. Fry follow the mother for several weeks.
- Putting too many males together
- Not providing caves
- Using hard water
Male or female
Males are much larger, more colourful and have longer fins, including the tall, comb-like dorsal fin. Females are smaller and turn yellow when guarding.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- Good for a first breeding project.
Day-by-day plan
Typical for cave spawners
- 21 days beforeSet up caves
Give one cave per pair or female, plus a varied diet.
- Day 0Spawning in the cave
Eggs are laid inside the cave and guarded, usually by the male.
- Day 4Eggs hatch
Eggs hatch in 3–7 days depending on the species and temperature.
- Day 10Fry leave the cave
Feed baby brine shrimp and crushed food. Plecos need wood and vegetables.
- Day 60Grow-out
Fry grow on in their own tank.
A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.
Simulator: guided
Give one cave per pair or female, plus a varied diet.
Simulator: try it yourself
Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.
- Without live or frozen food the parents aren't in breeding condition.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.