Mbuna not breeding, only fighting

[Hybridfish7]

I no longer have my group of cynotilapia zebroides cobue, but for future reference whenever I get more of the same or a different species, what do people do to have more success breeding mbuna? Was the tank too hot? Admittedly it was around 84F. The pH also may have been a bit too low, 7.8-8. Did I answer my own question?

 

[A201]

The temperature probably was a little high. Not so much for breeding, but for the general overall health of the fish. I keep my African tank at 80 degrees w/ PH of 8.2. Your PH is within an acceptable range.
There is plenty of unwanted breeding & mutt fry swimming around in my tank. I don't do anything special to encourage breeding. No attention given to male / female ratios.
Definitely make sure to have at least one male & one female. Lol. Provide an adequate rock hardscape.
My point is, don't try too hard. Sooner or later reproduction will occur. Be careful what you wish for. I attempted to build an all male community, but a few females of varying species made it in. Now I'm stuck with numerous Red Zebra / Trewassae mutts. Lol.

 

[RD.]

IMO pH was fine, temp way to warm, which increases metabolism, and aggression. Lake Malawi fish are good in 76-78F, which more closely matches the breeding conditions in their natural waters. The rest as they say, just add water. Mbuna typically breed like rabbits.

 

[DJRansome]

I find ratios definitely help (lots of females) and some mbuna have to be more mature than others to spawn. Labs and demasoni can/do spawn at 1.5" but estherae and acei might do nothing until they are 3".

Also tank mates may matter. If the species feels intimidated by another group in the tank they may not spawn. Remove the rambunctious ones and the timid ones may spawn.

 

[newworld]

i find pack the tank i have a 100 gallon w mbuna with at least a couple always w mouthfuls…