Group Start Method
Buy 6-8 juveniles, raise together, let natural pair form. Best for angelfish, discus, and most substrate spawners.
At maturity, one pair usually claims territory and drives off others. Remove extras to a separate tank.
Male-Plus-Harem (Mouthbrooders)
For mbuna and peacocks, 1 male to 3-5 females avoids over-harassment. Male picks mates as they're ready.
All females may breed from same male. Use mouthbrood removal box to save fry.
Divided Tank Method
Place male and female either side of a clear divider. 2-4 weeks of visual contact before dividing. Works for aggressive cichlids like flowerhorn.
When both display courtship through divider, remove it during supervised hours. Replace if fighting breaks out.
Timing and Conditions
Feed live foods (bloodworm, mysis) for 1-2 weeks to trigger breeding. Small water change with cooler water mimics rainy season.
Most cichlids pair within 3-6 months of maturity. If not, the individuals are just incompatible.