Breeding the peacock cichlid
Maternal mouthbrooder; the female carries the brood for up to 4 weeks and releases free-swimming fry. Will often spawn in a community tank.
Step by step
Keep 1 male with 3-4 females in a 55+ gallon tank.
A 55 gallon (200 L) tank with rocks and sand, 25-27 C, hard alkaline water.
Warm water and good food. Males show colors and dig pits.
The female holds the brood for up to 4 weeks.
Strip fry at 3 weeks or let females release them. Feed crushed flake and baby brine shrimp.
- Mixing different species
- Too many males
- Hard feeding
Male or female
Males are larger and brightly coloured; females are plain. Young can usually be sexed at about 4 months.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- Good for a first breeding project.
Day-by-day plan
Typical for mouthbrooders
- 21 days beforeGroup and condition
Usually one male with several females. Feed high-quality food.
- Day 0Spawning
The female takes the eggs into her mouth and stops eating.
- Day 21Release
After about 3 weeks the female releases fully formed fry. Many breeders move her to a quiet tank first.
- Day 21First food
Fry eat crushed flake and baby brine shrimp straight away.
- Day 90Grow-out
Fry are a few centimetres long after about 3 months.
A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.
Simulator: guided
Usually one male with several females. Feed high-quality food.
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.