Breeding Parrot Fish? Help!

[JakTheFlipper]

Hi all,
Ive owned 5 beautiful parrot fish (cichlids) for two years now and have never had any of them lay eggs. Yesterday I noticed that one of my fish was behaving a little erratic and had lost a little of its colour. It then procceeded to make itself a nest in the corner of my tank and guarded it with its life. A little while later another of my fish joined the other fish in her nest and they sat there together guarding it. Ive got up this morning and noticed that the female has laid her eggs all over the polystyrene backing. Because i'm new to this i need some advice from anybody that can tell me how i can maybe save some of the eggs ang luckily get some babies from them? Ive read that the males are mostly infertlie is this true? Is it right that i should leave the eggs until they have hatched and then remove the fry from the tank? someone help!
thanks!
jacqui

 

[dc3]

Jackie,
To the best of my knowledge, a parrot cichlid is a hybrid fish - cross between a red-devil and a gold or green severum (there are other theories on parents) - and the general belief is that the males are streile - so they will go through the whole courting ritual, lay eggs and then nothing happens... Which probably means you shouldn't expect babies.
That said, there are also reports of hormone stimulated parrot cichlids that are breeding in asia.
I guess it's a grey area - let nature take it's course (jellybean parrots have similar breeding procedures to a convict cichlid they come from- so maybe follow those guidelines).

 

[JakTheFlipper]

Thanks dc3, I dont expect babies...but it would be nice, so i cant help getting a little exited. The mom and dad are still guarding the nest, taking in turns to come in and out and scare away the other fish, lol its quite entertaining to see. Ive spoken to a breeder and he says its a good sign that they are both guarding the nest and the eggs have not been eaten yet, but i suppose theres still time. He aslo says there is a 50/50 chance of them hatching, but 90% of the time they are eaten

 

[cane76]

as far as i know the male will not be able to fertalise the eggs

 

[DiscusAngel]

theres only a few fertile male parrot fish. you could add a male convict and get parrot/cons lol

 

[Suicidal_AZN]

got this site from some dude in the hybrid cichlid forums.
http/parrotcichlid.com/history.php
tells u all about parrot cichlids