How do I get these things to breed for the first time?

[M_sfan87]

I have had a tank set up for about 2 months now. I have ten African Cichlids in a 30 Gallon tank, they are about 2 inches each. There are plenty hidding places. I just fed them a good amount of live food and did a good water change, then turned the heat up a little. What else can I do to get them to breed?

[SGypsyMermaid]

i think that 2" is kind of small for malawians to breed--they may not be sexually mature, yet.

[M_sfan87]

I was told they would be able to mate, the males chase the females around all the time, and they spend a while in the caves. But they always are eatting so none of them are holding.

[Woot]

Not really too much you can do to MAKE them mate. If you have males and females they are going to mate at someone most likely. 2" is a bit small, mine started at around 3"-3.5".

[jonah]

My Lab. caeruleus started under 2", but all of my other mbuna (there's been at least 3 different species) have been 3" or over. My May. crabro was 4" when it first held.

I have noticed spawning most often after major water changes, 40-50%.

[Maingano]

Yeah water changes usually do the trick.

Also get your fish in good condition with a variety of foods, try some live brine shrimp, frozen foods, flake etc just change it up.

These two things have worked for me in the past to induce breeding, though they do seem small, but maybe not ?

Maingano.

[M_sfan87]

They must be to small yet. Thanks.