The Rift Valley Fish I find to be some of the most awesome color varieties, theres also 1200 different species. I have been fortunate to have collected 60 different species. In my home now I’m running with 23 aquiaums from 10 gallon to 130 gallon. Even though African Cichlids can be a very beautiful fish they can be aggressive. In the last year I have spawned 16 different species of Cichlids, It’s been a good year for me. If you are thinking of getting into Cichlids depending on the type of cichlid you will need at lease a 3 foot tank. African Cichlids need to have their space when spawning the average size is 4 to 6 inches long. Large tanks are recommended. There are two types of African Cichlids substrate spawning and mouthbrooding. I have spawned both types, the mouthbrooding and substrate. The mouthbrooding are more common than substrate, but knowing this the mouthbrooding has fewer eggs than substrate spawns. The typical courtship and spawning of most moothbrooding; you will find the male color intensifies during spawning also the male will spread his fins to warn off trespassers. The brightly colored male is also a way to show the female his presence. Once the male and female have paired off or courtship is complete, it’s time to spawn. To witness a pair of cichlids in spawning is an experience in its self. The male will begin to circle the female and start by slapping and shaking his body. The pair circles each other, after which the female deposits her eggs; the male will continue to circle and fertilize the eggs. The female will then collect the eggs in her mouth. Depending on the size and species the female will have 20 to 40 eggs. I have found that incubation time to vary, depending on species and water temperature. It will take approxaly 15 to 20 days to become free swimming. If you decide to let the female release her fry in a community tank 9 times out of 10 they will be food for the other fish. I then suggest that you do one of two things, first either remove the female to her own tank were she can release her fry, at this time you can remove her from the tank and keep the fry. The second way is to strip the fry from the female fish, this I don’t recommend for beginners. To strip the fry you must open her mouth in such a way that you don’t cause harm to the fish, the fry will swim out. When removing or stripping the fry always use existing water from the tank. Substrate spawners courting is similar to mouthbrooders. The males are generally more colorful than females. When substrate spawners pair off they stay together longer than mouthbrooders. After courtship is completed the female will start laying her eggs on a flat surface such as flower pot- flat rock- plant leaf, as soon as the eggs are attached the male follows immediately to fertilize them. The male and female will both start fanning the eggs to prevent eggs from fungus. The male and female will guard the eggs together. Hatching occurs in a matter of 5 to 7 days. After the fry are free swimming the female for protection may move them from place to place. Both parents the female usually staying closer and the male further out also guard the fry. Now you have the same problem as the mouthbrooder if you keep the fry in the community tank they will get eaten. Two things can be done, first thing would be to remove the eggs after been fertilized and put into a separate tank. When removing eggs keep the eggs attached to the rock it’s easier than removing eggs from the rock first. When in the tank you must use an airstone to keep eggs from fungus just like the parents do by fanning them. The second way is to wait till the fry are free swimming and then get a clear hose and siphon the fry out into a separate tank. Now that you have your new fry in your fry tanks its time to feed them. I have found the best way is to feed live brine shrimp. In the beginning I forgot to mention make your aquarium look like there natural inhabitants (rock, plants, caves etc). Like many other fish, African Cichlids can be a great hobby to enjoy!