Peacock cichlid breeding

[Newbie Breeder]

Hey guys,

I'm moving my fish around a lot and I'm preparing to get a trio of peacock cichlids that I can breed in my 55gal. I googled it and read a little about mouth brooding ants stuff like that but I don't really understand it to well and was wondering if anybody could explain the best way to breed them?

Thanks

 

[Raven20]

I've had success with 1 m and 3f in my 55.....when the male starts digging the substrate he's ready to breed...he and and a female will start dancing in a circle...he will start shimmering in which the female will gather his sperm in her mouth to fertilize her eggs...

 

[superemone]

Just stick all 3 of them in there, provide good diets and clean water, and they'll do the rest. Pretty easy. You'll know the female is holding when you see a big bulge in her mouth.

 

[Newbie Breeder]

How long does the female hold them in her mouth? Should I strip them or let her spit?

 

[superemone]

That depends on the female. Mine usually holds for about 3 weeks. If she doesn't spit after 3 weeks, I strip her. Plus, I can't stand seeing her go without food for that long.