Breeding Afra

[JT11]

How difficult is it to breed afra? I am thinking about purchasing a wild pair and attempting to breed them. Also woud a ten gallon be appropriate to breed them in ? Is there anything I can do water wise to up my chances via, raise temp, up ph which is already 8.3, light cycles ?? any info would be greatly appreciated. Oh sh*t almost forgot they are Jalo Reef if it matters

 

[ikevi]

First, afras are not pair fish (in essence all the fish we think of from malawi are 1 male to say 3-4 females). The male will likely kill likely huras the female to death.

I honestly wouldn't try breeding in anything less than a 55 or 40 long.

Put in lots of rocks leave the temp ~79 degrees. Water parameters really don't mater as long as ph ~7.8. If you have really soft water use the premixed salts/malawi mixes (not required just increases chances, not like you will need it with a male and 3 females.)

That would be all you need.

I am not saying that it can't be done in a 10. I have seen people breed angles in 5 gallons so there is never a set rule. But the fish will be much happier in a larger tank. OH and lots of rock work is a must. Make sure the females can hide from the male.

Anyways these guys will breed like mad if they are happy, but don't be surprised if your fist couple of batches aren't held through all the way.

 

[Scotty]

Which Afra are you able to buy? I have a couple and the only ones that have been sucessful is the Afra "Lion's cove". These I breed with a male and a female in a tank with other mbuna.
Just had a female deliver me some fry a couple of days ago.

 

[why_spyder]

Cyno's can be bred in 20's (if you are experienced). I would suggest against only a pair. I've had to wait up to 8 months for a wild pair to spawn. I, too, would like to know what you are thinking of getting.

I "specialize" in Cynotilapia and have had some experience breeding them. They aren't any harder than other mbuna in my opinion. They are great tank fillers too.

 

[JT11]

Thank you for all your input guys! He is selling them as Cynotilapia afra Jalo Reef. I think what I will wind up doing is putting maybe like a 2.4 ratio in a 55 gallon. I plan to put a ton of rock in the tank and hopefully will get some results. Any tips or other suggestions welcome!

 

[JT11]

And scotty how about posting some pics of those lion's cove Afras

 

[Scotty]

The biggest problem is having a camera ready when the male decides to show his colour. Have yet to see a picture that is a true reflection of the actuall fish. Will do my best to get a good shot for posting.
Just lost a Cyn. Mbamba mphanga. He is the one with a golden yellow top. Lost both male and female and I don't know why.

 

[why_spyder]

I'll get some pictures of mine up tonight too. Jalo Reef are definitely a solid afra. They aren't popular for nothing.....

 

[kscichlidfan]

Good luck on your breeding, we need more of these types to become the "standard" rather than what is out there now.

 

[mike dunagan]

The more something becomes avalible the less people seem to think that it is cool or good... I would love to have a few of these guys, but do not say the more common africans are not worthy.