Ice Blues Breeding I Think

[chishnfips]

Hi folks, I have been watching my two ice blues zebras (melanchromis greshakei) quite closely for the last few days, and there has definately been some breeding behaviour, the male has been sorting out his cave and been extra protective over it, also, he has been dancing infront of the female. Well last night I noticed the females mouth seemed to be slightly bigger and this morning when I fed them all she didn't take a bite at all, when she usually gobbles up food. So I am wondering if she has fry in her mouth, how else can I tell or do I just have to wait and see if she spits? How long would that take?

cheers chish

PS, only thing is I have just found out I am getting my new tank tonight, how will the fish cope with the change over if they are breeding, will the female lose the fry? And also the male will lose his caves until he takes over new ones in the new tank.

 

[dthoffsett]

The incubation period is typically 25-30 days, but it could be a little more or less. The move shouldn't stress her too much, but if this is her first brood, it's likely she will spit early or swallow them. IME it takes them a few broods to get it right.

Your male will have no problems establishing new territories, in fact, if you watch closely they'll all establish territories in the first few days, there may even be changes in the tank heirarchy.

 

[chishnfips]

well thats the change over done what a mission it took six hours to swap over both tanks, lol, They dont seem stressed either and the female still isn't eating so I am hoping she still has the fry,


cheers chish

 

[dthoffsett]

Pictures???!!!

 

[chishnfips]

here it is, its not much at the mo, I need way more rocks lol, but its only been up a day so am rock hunting this weekend lol.

 

[dthoffsett]

Looking good so far! I'm sure they appreciated the extra room already.

 

[chishnfips]

aye they seem to love it, the male greshakai has alreadt staked a claim for some caves lol, I added in a few more rocks today, and I am taking back the kenyis tomorrow to get some aceis, (sp)? and some female ice blues hopefully