at what age or size can cichlids start breeding?

[TrailerParkFishTanks]

at what age or size do some cichlids become mature enough to breed? i know its dependent upon species but i got a lot of fish as juvies so i want sure if it was months or years before they're ready. i have some ruby red peacocks, benga sunshine, yellow tail acei and a ton of yellow labs. i wasnt sure when to start looking out for breeding and holding females. plus i read about everyone's fish breeding like crazy... im jealous.

[Regalblue]

Safe bet for most of the common Malawi is 3"

[linuxrulesusa]

Safe bet for most of the common Malawi is 3"

Yellow labs probably 2-2.5" or so?  There won't be many fry but they could be breeding then.

[lilscoots]

I've had peacocks and copadichromis breed at 2" (not intentionally, they were supposed to be growing out....).

[nate]

Ive got demasoni going at it they are barely 2in granted the are a dwarf mbuna but i have red zebras that are 3in that havent spawned yet so i think its all up to fish... When ever they are ready...

[jcunningham0295]

I have had some peacocks and mbuna breed around 2.5".

[LoveTheFishies]

Babies having babies.

[theoryguru]

I have had some peacocks and mbuna breed around 2.5".

+1 - peacocks were at it only at 2"

[TrailerParkFishTanks]

Well then I will help them step up their game with some Barry white and boys II men, turn off the t5's and feed them by candle light... or I'll just keep looking and be patient.

[nate]

By the end of the night the whole tank will be holding lol

[TrailerParkFishTanks]

The males will all be asleep while the females stay up with the fry.

[nate]

Lol thats how it should be

[auratus]

seen several that hold at not much over an inch and half others that didnt breed till they were 4''  depends on the kind