Lifalili jewel cichlid Breeding Guide

Breeding Process

The Lifalili Jewel Cichlid is a species that can be bred in captivity with relative success. This species reaches breeding maturity at a length of about 10-12 cm. To initiate breeding, it's essential to ensure that the aquarium conditions are optimal: the water should have a pH level between 7.0 to 8.0 and temperature should be kept within the range of 24°C to 28°C. It is recommended to set up a separate breeding tank as this species can become highly aggressive during the breeding period. The tank should have ample hiding spaces and flat stones, which the cichlids prefer for laying eggs. Pair the cichlids once they form a bond and exhibit signs of pairing, such as swimming closely together.

Fry Care

Once the female lays eggs, both parents will guard and tend to them. The adults display strong parental instincts, but it's not uncommon for aggressive behavior towards other tank mates to become pronounced during this period. The eggs take about 2-4 days to hatch. After hatching, the fry will be moved to pits dug in the substrate by the parents. At this stage, it’s crucial to feed the fry appropriate food, starting with infusoria and then gradually introducing newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.

Additional Information

When breeding Lifalili Jewel Cichlids, it is important to monitor the water quality continuously as the fish are more sensitive to changes during this time. A lid or cover on the aquarium is advisable to prevent the fry and aggressive adults from jumping out. Due to the aggressive and territorial nature of the Lifalili Jewel Cichlid, ensure that other tank inhabitants are safe from potential harm. Breeding aggression can significantly impact tank dynamics, necessitating careful observation and possibly isolating the breeding pair to mitigate the aggressive outbursts.