Breeding the pike cichlid
Cave spawner: eggs are laid on the ceiling of a cave and guarded aggressively by both parents; fry may be moved to a pit.
Step by step
Raise 6 juveniles together and let a pair form, then remove the rest or provide a very large tank.
A 250 L tank with a sponge or gentle filter, flat stones, clay caves or flowerpots, and a sand bed.
Strong conditioning on frozen and live food plus a large water change with slightly warmer water.
Up to about 1,000 eggs on a cave ceiling; fry hatch after 4-5 days and swim free after 11-13 days. Breeding water: pH 6.5-7.0, 2-6 dH, 24-28 °C.
Both parents guard the brood; feed fry newly hatched brine shrimp and finely crushed flake.
- A tank too small for the pair's territory
- Tankmates the pair will chase
- Removing the parents too early
Male or female
Males are much larger with longer fins. Females are rounder, with a brighter (pink) belly and a black-and-white pattern on the dorsal fin.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- Takes some experience.
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.