Im Excited!

[kribensis12]

I think I may just make a divider anyway, just to be safe and give her a rest. He is really chasin her around. She looks stressed.

 

[kribensis12]

I made the divider, and as i brought the camera down to take pictures, I see the tank is dark. Then it lights up and goes dark. There is something wrong with the light. It keeps flickering on and off. Do you guys think its the bulb?

 

[Balloons&killies]

I made the divider, and as i brought the camera down to take pictures, I see the tank is dark. Then it lights up and goes dark. There is something wrong with the light. It keeps flickering on and off. Do you guys think its the bulb?

Probably just the bulb, but check the outlet too,

 

[AstonN24vantage]

could be the light itself. maybe it got water in it or something.

 

[kribensis12]

I replaced the bulb with a bulb I found lying around my fishtanks, and now it works. So I am thinking the bulb went bad. The female seems to be a lot more independent now that the male can't get to her. I might keep it like this for a few weeks, so then she will be ready to breed.

 

[kribensis12]

Here is a couple pictures.

This is the actual divider, made by myself. It does not fit all the way, so I have it at an angle. It seems to be doing a pretty good job.

Here is the females 20 or so gallons of space:

This is the males space:

 

[kribensis12]

So, at the angle of the divider, I guess there is a gap. I saw the female swim into the males area the other day. But he can't get to her side. I think they are about to breed, considering the females egg laying tube is out. I am going to keep the divider though, just incase he messes with her again.

 

[kribensis12]

So, they laid eggs. The female laid them on her side, so the male couldn't get there. So, I removed the divider. I hope he fertilizes them. I will post pictures later.

 

[kribensis12]

I think the eggs are fertile! It's been a day and they are still there! Here is a picture of the male:

The female:

The female is chasing after the camera!

Here are the eggs, they are the yellow patch in the middle of the slate rock. They were hard to get a picture of because of distance:

 

[kribensis12]

The babies are free swimming now. Here is a picture:

Here is the mom:

And the dad:

 

[jameshunter63]

aw wow! love cichlids just wish i had a spare tank to do something like this!! just one question? guess you take your juvi's to the shop and sell them to them for store credit, how much they give you and is there any fuss about taking them?
thanks
james

 

[kribensis12]

Thanks! I belong to a fish club (look for one around you). They usually have auctions where you can buy fish, and supplies for dirt cheap. You can also sell. Firemouths are a fairly popular cichlid, and because of that, they would sell at a auction. But if you need to get rid of them, and there isnot an auction for a month or so, you can sell them to local pet stores. Make sure they are are willing to take them before deciding to breed the fish. If so, then your set! Prices varies on where you live, and how much they go for there, and the demand. Probably 2 dollars a fish.

 

[Ryefish]

Love this post Your fish are beautiful, and congrats on the fry! I'd love a pair of firemouths

 

[kribensis12]

Thank you! I am in love with the male. He is soo colorful. Where abouts are you located? I wouldn't mind selling or giving away (if they are runts, you can have them) some firemouth babies once they are older.

 

[kribensis12]

I will have some pictures up this week. I have been very busy. The fry have grown quite a bit though,