How to Breed Texas Cichlid Fish in Tanks and Aquariums

Texas cichlids are tropical fish native to the Rio Grande basin. They are the only cichlids native to the United States. They can grow to more than a foot long and are covered with many tiny spots. They are aggressive fish, which makes it somewhat difficult to breed them. However, they can be bred by following several simple steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank
  • Rocks
  • Substrate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sex the Texas cichlids. Females are usually smaller and are not colored as brightly as the males. Usually mature males grow a bump on their forehead, although sometimes females do as well.

    • 2

      Place six to eight young Texas cichlids together in a tank, with equal numbers of males and females. Choose fish that are about the same size and temperament. Watch them to make sure they do not attack each other, since Texas cichlids are aggressive and often bully other fish. Allow the fish to choose their own mates, which they will do when they reach three or four inches in length. The underside of the females will turn black when they are breeding.

    • 3

      Provide both flat rocks and rock caves for the females, which they will use to lay their eggs. Make sure the aquarium's floor is coated with a thick layer of substrate, which the adults will dig a hole in so their babies have a protected place to swim. Each female will produce hundreds of eggs, which will hatch within 78 hours. Both the parents will care for the fry.

    • 4

      Start to feed the fry a few days after they hatch. Place the fry in their own tank when they are a month old.