4 Week old Cichlids

[Nigalius]

Hi, I bought a pair of Cichlids (Cutteri) I think better known as 'Blue eyed Cichlids' and within a week the female had layed eggs, then they hatched and seem to be doing really well. Also in the tank I have 4 Congo Tetras and 4 Zebra Danios. Tank is 36imp gallon. Plenty of real plants, rocks and bogwood. most of the young are now at least 1/2" (15mm) long and its been interesting watching them grow and watching the parents protect the young. It makes a change watching the parents protect rather than eat their kids, lol. I now have some questions that I hope may be answered. How big should they be before they can be passed on? I am guessing at 3 months, does anyone know. I would prefer to give them away but will let my lfs have them if nesessary. There must be 100 at least. Will the adult fish lay eggs again with the previous young still in the tank? I hope to get another tank this weekend and could use this to put the young in but should I move them while they are still so small? When they do get bigger, should I seperate them to stop interbreeding and fish fights, if so, at what size? Do the adults stay as a mating pair? I ask this because sometimes it seems like they almost fight, like go for each other then perform a strange ritual, is this part of the mating process or will they become more violent to each other, they seem to try to egg each other on till the other one goes for it then it stops. Both fish are guilty of doing this. Does anyone know? If anyone lives in London or can travel here they are welcome to take some of the young when they are big enough, I will not charge for them. Lastly, The male parent seems to have a spot on each eye. Sometimes it is there and sometimes it dissapears, It does not affect its sight and it feeds and protects the young just as the female does. I am well happy to have these young as it was my first attempt and I seem to have been succesful. Any more tips would be appreciated. Sorry for all the questions.... Thanks, Nigel