Can you breed mbuna?

Mbuna cichlids are popular in aquariums due to their beautiful look – most species display very striking colours – and their fascinating behaviour. They are very aggressive and should not be kept with more timid fish. Also remember that Mbuna cichlids from different species can and will cross breed.

How big do mbuna need to be to breed?

Make sure your tank is big enough. Cichlids need a tank that is at least 4 feet long (1.3 meters) in order to breed.

How do I get my cichlids to breed?

Mouth-brooding African cichlid mating occurs something like this: the male digs out a cave (nest) for the female and lures her in by doing this silly fin shaking dance (there’s also a disturbing “kissing” version). She lays her eggs in the nest and he fertilizes them.

Can you mix Malawi and mbuna cichlids?

For instance, mbuna and peacock cichlids will do well together since they both come from Lake Malawi in the east coast of Africa. Dwarf cichlids like german blue ram and kribensis or Apistos also do well together even though they come from different geographical regions.

Will cichlids breed in a community tank?

While some species of fish are difficult to breed in an aquarium environment, many types of cichlid breed readily in captivity under the right conditions. Large breeds of cichlid can lay hundreds of eggs at a time but, most of the time, only a few fry survive and grow to maturity if left in the community tank.

Can you keep Frontosa with Malawi cichlids?

The majority of Malawi Mbuna are too aggressive to be good tank mates for Frontosas or much of anything besides other Mbuna. However the Electric Yellow Cichlid is a notable exception. They offer a brilliant yellow contrast to the subdued blues and black tones of adult Frontosas.

Is it possible to breed a Mbuna one on one?

Labidochromis freibergi, one of my personal favorites, sports black vertical stripes and intense blue throughout the body. You can breed Mbuna one on one, and in a community tank. However, I discourage this for several reasons: Mbuna will cross breed.

What makes a Melanochromis a predatory mbuna?

Just remember he is defending his territory, it is his nature to kill all intruders. Melanochromis is a predatory mbuna and a bit more primitive than the others, they are more of an opportunistic feeder and do not live by algae alone! In fact Melanochromis lepidophage is a scale eater, but ironically does not attack Mbuna.

What’s the name of the male mbuna fish?

Everyone has had at least one male auratus (“typically” named “Rambo”) dominate your mbuna tank at one time or another! Pound for pound you won’t find a more aggressive fish. Just remember he is defending his territory, it is his nature to kill all intruders.

What kind of habitat does a mbuna live in?

There are Mbuna who spend more time in the shallow sandy shores, and there are species that prefer to dwell in shells rather than the rocks. There is nothing like the sight of Mbuna community tank, to push you off the deep end! All it takes is a 55 gallon tank or larger, with any type of rockwork up the backside.