Need help starting a breeding project...West African Dwarf Cichlids...

I bought a pair of Pelvicachromis taeniatus (Nigeria Red) a couple of months ago from @Altum. They were placed in my 200 litre planted tank. They didn't take long to settle in and started showing absolutely beautiful colours and soon after that they started doing their courtship dance. The female dissapeared into one of the caves for a few days and was guarding the cave for about a week or two, without much help from the male. No offspring. Recently the female has laid eggs (assumption) in another cave. The male seems to be more involoved this time around as he is also guarding the cave from time to time.

So, I have decided to start breeding these beautiful fish and other regional variants of the same species on a more managed and sustainable level.

Now I've done much research on the internet and I know what the basic requirements are regarding water chemistry, tank size, dither fish, etc. But I can't find much info on breeding them over a long term sustainable way.

So how many fish should I start off with?
Is it better to get all your specimens at the same time from the same supplier, or should I buy a few every few months to keep the bloodline more varied.
How do you breed some of your own offspring back into your bloodline without risking inbreeeding, for example when brother and sisters breed?

I have more questions but this is a start. I want the guys (and girls) who breed south american cichlids to join the discussion, cause the basics are very similar to west african dwarfs.

 

Hi Neels
I think it is a wonderful idea to breed these,its something different.If you ever have some baby's to sell,let me know.
Have a look at these guys Wild West African Killifish For Sale West African Fish For Sale
GROETE
Herve

 

Look into getting a couple of people together on a breeding project. It helps with the genepool. I for one, and people I know in the cape, would be interested in this species, and other west african dwarfs.

I know prof bellstedt is doing great work with normal pelvicachromis pulcher, and through selective breeding has stabilised beautiful traits. Ask him about linebreeding and the dangers there of. I also know that line breeding can be used to some extent, but must be monitored.