Setting Up a Breeding Tank for Peacock Cichlids

Peacock cichlids, Aulocara spp., are just one of the many types of fish that make up the cichlid family. Cichlids are popular aquarium fish because of their wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes. The peacock variety comes from Africa. Peacock cichlids are relatively peaceful fish that combine well with many other types. Because they are ovophile mouthbreeders -- that is, the females lay eggs in a pit, then gestate them in their mouths -- they require special tank conditions for successful breeding.

  1. Peacock Cichlids

    • Male peacock cichlids possess all the dramatic color, while the females are drab silver or grayish-brown. Peacock cichlids carry the fertilized eggs in their mouths and may continue to carry the babies in their mouths for a few weeks after they hatch. This method of breeding has inherent problems. The females do not eat while they are carrying their young and become quite weak, for instance. Aggressive males may harass them and cause them to drop their young as they flee from conflict. Females may even swallow their young. To provide the best conditions for breeding and gestation, set up additional tanks to allow for a calm environment for the female to care for her babies.

    Main Tank

    • The main tank provides the right conditions to induce the male and female cichlids to breed. A 45- to 55-gallon tank is sufficient, with adequate filtration and heating equipment. A fine-grained gravel is best for breeding, and a number of caves and other hiding places will be of benefit. The water temperature should be in the range of 73 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The water can be slightly alkaline, with a pH around 8, to duplicate the environment of cichlids in their natural habitat. The male will determine a suitable location for the breeding and will lead the female to lay her eggs there. Fertilization then takes place. The female then places the eggs into her mouth for gestation.

    Fry Tank

    • The hatchling or fry-raising tank can be much smaller, 10 gallons. It allows a quiet and unharassed environment for the female to expel the young from her mouth. Place the female into the tank a few days before she is ready to expel them. This method safeguards the young she is carrying so she does not release them too early. It also allow the newly released young to grow stronger once they are released without being troubled by other fish in the tank. A small sponge over the filtration outlet will prevent the fry from being sucked into the unit.

    Rearing Tank

    • A slightly larger tank, 25 gallons, allows the fry to feed and grow strong. You do not need to provide decorations in the tank. The tank merely functions as a safe place for them to inhabit while they are juveniles. As they approach adult size, you can place in the main aquarium.