Breeding the lionhead cichlid
Monogamous cave spawner; eggs are laid on the wall or roof of a cave and the pair guards the brood for up to 3 months. Needs strong current; feeds mainly on algae in the wild.
Step by step
Buy a group of 6 and let a pair form, or buy a proven pair; keep a pair per tank to avoid fights.
100-150 L tank with rock piles creating narrow caves and slits, soft to neutral water and strong flow, like the Congo rapids it comes from and strong filtration.
Stable pair bond, good conditioning and a cave that fits the female.
20-150 eggs laid on the cave wall or roof; they hatch in about 5-7 days and the fry swim freely at 11-14 days.
Fry hide in the cave and become free swimming after a week. Feed microworms and newly hatched brine shrimp; parents tolerate and often protect them.
- Mixing several pairs in a small tank
- Giving caves that are too big
- Using soft water
Male or female
The male is larger and develops a bigger forehead (nuchal) hump than the female.
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.