Breeding Jewels

[kniesh]

Hi guys I have a pair of breeding jewels in my 90gal and have set up a 20gal tank ready to put the fry in to grow out. My question is at what size is it safe to catch the fry and plce them in the other tank?

 

[Gatorbait]

I'd take them out after about a week.

You'll have to fight off the parents when doing this which is always fun.

 

[fuzzyferret]

I took my fry out, but the adults spawned again immediately, with a far larger clutch of eggs.

I'd recommend leaving them in!!! Assuming, of course, that your tank is large enough.
My jewels didn't attempt to spawn again when the fry were in the tank, but their faces were classic - get these damned kids away - they're doing my head in!!

The adults are now in my main cichlid tank again - I only removed them for a major tank overhaul, but had to leave them in the other tank after they spawned.

I find that it is difficult to get rid of the fry - I currently have around 200 that will be ready to 'go' soon, but find that most LFS don't want them.
The food they eat is horrendous - they are like piranha when I feed them.

Any takers? Not willing to post - live in Hull, East Yorkshire.

 

[mlawson]

Id leave them in longer, Jewels are pretty good parents.

 

[The-Wolf]

most jewel cichlids (many species/subspecies) create a nuclear family, why would you wish to break up a family?

 

[kniesh]

Thx for ur replies. I would happily leave them in there to grow out except I wasnt sure this would work with it being a community tank. What do you think, will they survive if I leave them in for the parents to protect? More to the point will the other fish in the tank survive? Details of the tank are in my sig, thx.

 

[Gatorbait]

Thx for ur replies. I would happily leave them in there to grow out except I wasnt sure this would work with it being a community tank. What do you think, will they survive if I leave them in for the parents to protect? More to the point will the other fish in the tank survive? Details of the tank are in my sig, thx.

I guess I should have asked why you wanted to take them out before I answered your question above.

If you leave them in they will be protected by the parents from any and all community fish. It isn't the fry I would worry about being harmed as most cichlids are excellent parents.

it doesn't matter if you leave them in the tank or take them out as far as whether they will breed again. They will either way as the male won't care if there are fry in the tank.

 

[kniesh]

Thx, The eggs hhave started to hatch by the looks of it. They are certainly moving around but dont really look hatched. I hope it doesn't cause too much trouble in the tank. The Firemouth which is a lovely looking speciman is starting to look like he may be taking the brunt during the night. I will have to keep my eye on him. As soon as I can find the leads I will try an get some pics up.

 

[cheesy feet]

I would definetely remove them.Jewels are notorious for being aggresive when breeding.Firemouths usually don't know when to stop.He could easily get killed

 

[kniesh]

Thx, the fry are a few days old now and it doesnt look like the other fish are the slightest bit interested. The Jewels also have not got overly aggressive, just warn off any oncomers with a long stare and they usually take the hint. I think the firemouth is down to him thinking he is in charge of the whole tank. He's only about 2" but seems to think he's a Jaguar Cichlid or something.