How to Breed Pike Cichlids

Cichlids are among the most interactive of all fish. Many of these fish actually come to recognize their owners, coming to the edge of the tank when they see their humans walk by. Pike cichlids are a good choice for the hobbyist due to their interesting hunting behaviors and the fact that they are relatively easy to breed in the home aquarium. But like all cichlids, pike cichlids require the right environment for spawning.

Things You'll Need

  • Rocks
  • Driftwood
  • Aquarium
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up an aquarium with an abundance of driftwood, rocks and caves. Pike cichlids hunt by hiding behind rocks and other natural formations and pouncing on their prey. Recreating their natural environment can improve the health and well-being of these fish and make them more more likely to breed.

    • 2

      Create several caves throughout the aquarium in a variety of different locations. Pike cichlids use caves to lay their eggs, and they need to have a suitable space to do so.

    • 3

      Obtain one or two pairs of pike cichlids and place them in the tank. Make sure the aquarium is not overcrowded. If the tank is overcrowded the fish may become aggressive and stressed.

    • 4

      Watch for the female to enter the cave to lay her eggs. The female pike cichlid deposits eggs which adhere to the walls of the cave, and both the female and the male protect the eggs and the young cichlids when they hatch. There is no need to place the adult fish in a separate tank. They will take care of the young fish when they hatch and protect them from other fish.