Breeding Jewel Cichlids

[phillips321]

Hi guys

In my lfs i have seen a breeding pair of jewel cichlids(Hemichromis bimaculatus) for £15 and im very interested. The adult fish currently have a load of free swimming baby fish in the tank with them that are about 4-6mm long, are the adults ready to leave the babies and come home with me?

I have tried to do as much googling as possible to find out as much about the breeding of this fish but i still need more help.

1) These fish only grow to about 4inches . Whats the smallest size tank to you recommend for the fish and the fry?

2) What would be the best rock for them to lay the egss on? I have been told a ceramic plant pot works well as it also acts as a shelter for the female. I have also read that slate is an option

3) How deep do you recommend the gravel be? I need to know how deep they dig their gravel pit so that i can make the gravel deep enough. Also what size gravel.

4) Ive heard these fish breed best at higher temperatures, around 80 then?

5) Any ideas on some good stuff to feed the fry? Ive heard that baby brine shrimp work well. What about feeding the adult fish before breeding?

Sorry about the questions guys but is helps to know as much as i can before i purchase them.

Cheers

 

[Dwarfs]

Sounds about right I bred mine in a 20g long (30") with no problems. I would say three inches of gravel would be ok Don't add any other fish though, breeding jewels can turn into killing machines when their fry are in danger If you can, try to get a separate tank for the female to hang out in after they are done with their fry (the male can be abusive when trying to get her to breed, and won't stop if she isn't ready to breed again, I lost my female to this problem)

We have a 6 inch jewel, 4 inches isn't exactly right

 

[phillips321]

I dont mind buying 3 of them, one male and two females to help with the bullying.

Whats the best way to sex them? Do the males have a pointier dorsal fin? i think they are beatiful look fish and im looking forward to introducing them into the tank. Will the female be ok in a seperate tank with other fish(sharks,angel,rams, ect.)

Do you think they are ready to leave the shop or do they need to stay with the babies longer?

How hardy are these fish? Can they cope with odd water conditions or are they a little soft in that area?

Ive heard they can be very agressives, stories of fingers getting bit spring to mind...

 

[phillips321]

also do i need to cover my filter with a pair of tights to stop them getting sucked in and do i need to turn down my pump as my airstone is quite aggressive