IMO i always think its a good idea when you are pairing up cichlids of any type to get at least 4 of them. Preferable get them from different stores that way the chances of inbreeding are less plus it helps to replenish the gene pool. But it is better IMHO to have at least 4 of them and let them pair off on their own. That way they are happy, they picked the mate that suites them, they know whats good and whats not, and you normally don't have killed fish like you often do from forced pairing. It may be more expensive but it will save you troubles in the long run. You may think the fish you are pairing up would be a good couple but there are things that the fish can tell that you can't, which is why its a good idea to let them pair off on their own. But IF you do still wanted to do it the forced spawning method get an albino female and a normal male. Males always pick albino females over regular females because their bellies are more red and visible, and females pick regular males over albino males because of some reason, i don't know why, i'm sure there is a reason though. So if you do it that way, albino female normal male, your chances of getting a forced spawn to work are better. Hope that helped!
PF
