Firemouth Spawning Signs

[snake007]

My firemouths are very young around 2 - 3 inches and I just noticed two of my firemouths together digging a hole in the gravel together and staying together and chasing off the other fish, is this signs of pairing and starting to breed?

 

[minnnt]

Yep... I would say so.

Sounds like you have finally got there with them.

 

[snake007]

I thought they need to be around 4 inches to breed?

 

[minnnt]

Nah, about 2-2.5" mate. The eggs may not survive though, so just a case of hanging in there with them. They will get the hang of it eventually.

 

[snake007]

Oh alright, thanks.

I Kribs disappeared for a bit, found the female with a clutch of eggs, do you think I should remove the firemouths or the 2 breeding species will be alright?

 

[minnnt]

If it was me and from my experience i would have the Firemouths moved faster than you can red lorry yellow lorry... Kribs when breeding can be evil and imo, a 2-3" FM will not be able to stand the wrath.

 

[snake007]

Lol but the kribs are the same size? Does that make a difference?

 

[minnnt]

Leave em in and find out...

 

[snake007]

Lol. You were right, I should of listened to you in the beginning , the Convicts are spitting out babies likes there's no tomorrow.

 

[minnnt]

Lol... Rehome them mate... They are like a conveyor belt constantly pumping out young! Young that eventually you won't be able to care for or sell on so you will be getting all the aggression for no real return. The kribs will push the FM's about and probably force them to the top corner of the tank... The furthest point away from their prized possessions.

Again though, Juvenile Kribs are hard to shift on as they too can breed every month. Admitadely less, usually like 20-30, but once they have new eggs then the old will be viewed as enemies and will be attacked. So you will need a tank for them too... Another Pelvicachromis species would be better imo and probably more profitable.

 

[snake007]

Hmm I see what your saying.
I thought the cons would attact the first batch of fry, instead their still caring for it .
Im looking to breed a more rarer species of cichlid, not sure on what one though.

 

[minnnt]

Some of the smaller acara's or nanochromis transvestitus. Other pelvicachromis are good such as nigerian reds, yellows etc. Apisto's, sajica, spilurus, myrnae, rainbows, keyholes, rams... All nice fish.

 

[snake007]

I'm dying for a pair of keyholes but where to get them is the problem...

 

[minnnt]

Pets at home.

 

[snake007]

They sell them?!

Never bought fish from them but I think I might have to now.
Whats the price?