Malawi Cichlids

African Cichlids from Lake Malawi include Mbuna, Peacock, and Haplochromis species. Malawi Cichlids are highly sought after in the aquarium hobby due to their vibrant colors and interesting behavior. Males display prominent colors in comparison to females with the dominant male showing the most intense color to attract a mate. Most cichlids from Lake Malawi are known as maternal mouthbrooders. The females lay their eggs then pick them up by mouth where they are fertilized. An adaptive trait for reproductive fitness is the presence of egg spots on the male caudal fin. Females mistake the egg spots as real eggs and as they attempt to pick them up the male releases the sperm into the females mouth and fertilization occurs. In the aquarium, Malawi Cichlids are easier to breed in species only tanks with many hiding places, optimal water conditions, and quality food. To increase survivability of fry, many hobbyist extract the fertilized eggs from the mother's mouth manually and tumble them in enclosed egg tumblers until the fry are old enough to be transferred to a grow out tank.

More information on breeding Malawi Cichlids can be found here:
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/malawi_cichlids_breeding.php

Every fish is either bred by us or selected from our affiliate breeders, then quarantined, carefully observed and fed a rich diet before being added to our African Cichlids for sale inventory.