Re:Breeding African cichlids - 2007/03/14 14:07You're very welcome. It brings a smile to my face to have helped someone do this!
Oh, make sure you nurse the female back to health before putting her back in the aquarium.
By the way, what did you use to open her mouth? Also, if you have a digital camera, can you post a pic of the fry?
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jack57
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Re:Breeding African cichlids - 2007/03/14 14:25I used exactly what you said, I used the plastic toothpick like thing from one of those all in one army knives. I will post a picture of the fry as soon as possible. Finally, are there any recommendations or tips you have to ensure good health for the fry? Also I don't have an extra tank as I have 5 in the house(Fish lover),so I am going to buy a tank divider and put it in the same tank as the fry.
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justin
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Re:Breeding African cichlids - 2007/03/14 14:30A tank divider should work just fine. To ensure best health for the fry, provide good water flow. Also, the simplest way to feed them is pulverize some flake food. Mix it with water, suck it up into a spare piece of air hose/tubing, and release it right near the fry. You should see them gobble it up greedily.
Try not to feed them too much at once
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jack57
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Re:Breeding African cichlids - 2007/03/14 14:38Alright, they are eating very well already. I have a concern with my female, is it possible for it to be regrouped with its old tank mates in my 29 gal. and also is a air pump necessary.
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justin
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Re:Breeding African cichlids - 2007/03/14 14:54I wouldn't put her back in the old tank for a few days, until she's had time to regain her health. Otherwise she may be picked on and not be able to take the stress.
An air pump will encourage good water flow, but if your filter provides enough then you should be fine.
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jack57
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Re:Breeding African cichlids - 2007/03/14 16:04I have an air pump currently in the tank, the fry are doing well however is it normal for them to just lay there inactively? Also they don't seem to accept the flake food, they may take some in and then spit it out. Is there any other food recommendations? Thank you
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justin
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Re:Breeding African cichlids - 2007/03/14 16:08You need to be careful, because if they remain immobile for too long they are prone to infection, and can die. Check on them tomorrow, if they're still not moving then maybe suspend them in a net over the air bubble stream to promote some movement
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jack57
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Re:Breeding African cichlids - 2007/03/14 16:13alright, thanks again for everything I am just glad that this was successful, and by laying i meant they are always on the very bare bottom of the tank, however, they are free swimming and little explorers!
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justin
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Re:Breeding African cichlids - 2007/03/14 16:14Ahh, well in that case you seem to have some healthy baby cichlids!
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jack57
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Re:Breeding African cichlids - 2007/03/14 18:19Do you raise your fry to maturity on powdered flake food or are there any other options? My fry seem to take the flake food in and spit it out. Any suggestions?
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