Auratis breeding?

[craw]

Hi all,

I've got a 110cmx38cmx38cm tank with Mbuna's. I have a pair of Melonchromis Auratis (3inch) and about 14 smaller assorted Malawis (1 - 1 1/2 inch) and plec (6inch)

My pair keep swimming round in small circle and swim on their sides and bump against each other,would i be right to assume they're gettin it on???

If this is the case what should i expect and do?

The female is in a corner of the tank and the male chases any fish that approaches,is this normal?

When should i think about relocating her (if at all?)

Should i put the pair in another tank just now?

Whats the mating-birth ritual?

Any pointers are much appreciated.

I would like to breed them successfully.

Craw.

 

[smb]

Sounds like they are in the prelude to breeding or they are 2 same sex "feeling each other out" and ready to go at it.

auratus are very mean fish, and I wouldn't normally recommend moving a pair of fish out, but in this case, I definately would or they will harrass or kill almost every fish in your tank when they do breed.

Edit: Any chance of us getting some pics?

 

[craw]

smb,

unfortunately i dont have the facility to send you pics.

but my pair are male and female so they must be gettin it on.

would it be wiser to move the pair before she shows signs of carrying the eggs in mouth,or wait till then and move her on her own?

must the male be separated from her at all?

craw

 

[semper fi]

auratus, like many of the mbuna are harem breeders. males should generally have a minimum of three females. this will lessen the aggression of the male towards the female. when they are ready to mate, the male will dig a birthing pit for the female to lay her eggs. he will swim over them fertilizing them and then she will scoop them up in her mouth. males will get aggressive with females and will oftem kill females that are unwilling to mate with them.

i would try to find a couple more females the same size as your pair.

semper fi

 

[craw]

smb,

should i relocate them before the eggs are laid? will the other mbuna eat the eggs? should i keep both male and female with the fry once hatched?
craw

 

[semper fi]

since the mother will be holding the eggs in her mouth, it may be a good idea to remove her from the rest of the community. a holding female cannot defend herself. she will also weaken since she will not eat either. although some females will eat while holding. she will hold the eggs in her mouth, the eggs will hatch in her mouth and when the fry are free swimming she will spit them out. some may let the fry return other females will not.

i would remove the female til after she spits out the fry and give her a couple of days to recuperate. then reintroduce her into the community. if you have no desire to keep the fry and raise them, let her spit in the community tank.

semper fi

 

[craw]

cheers semper fi,

i know when some smaller cichlids hold eggs in mouth its very noticeable (as in size of mouth etc) is this the case with auratis? What sort of number of eggs can be expected?again, i understand some strains are as few as 6-8 eggs.

your advice is appreciated.

craw.

 

[semper fi]

her throat will become enlarged. if you can get a chance to look at her you may see the babies in her mouth through the skin . about 6-8 is about right. do not be dissappointed if less. some have small amounts of fry the first time and the number increases with each one.

semper fi