Keyhole Cichlids

[totally tropical]

I currently have 6 keyhole Cichlids and have never bred them before or any egg layer for that matter. I purchased them when they were young and they have always been peaceful as is the norm. I have never witnessed breeding behaviour until now as one particular keyhole has changed its keyhole marking to a constant dark (almost black) vertical line down its body. This particular keyhole is the only one displaying this marking and the only one who is now aggressive to all tankmates.

The keyhole seems to spent most of its time close to a flat rock (front corner of tank), though no eggs seem present anywhere, though I don't even know what they look like i.e. how tiny, colour etc.. The keyhole also ventures in other areas of the tank chasing all and sundry and it swims on its lonesome, NOT with a mate. The only time it gives the PMS a break is during feeding time!

1. How do I identify its partner if it is chasing everything in sight!

2. How will I know if it has laid its eggs (what is the norm)?

3. Why do a number of posts on the internet state: 'I purchased quite a few keyholes when they were young and a pair have now bonded - shame I had to take the others back'. WHY TAKE THE OTHERS BACK? I want to keep the others if at all possible as I love this particular fish.

Any other info regarding breeding keyholes would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[minxfishy]

The one displaying the dark banding is likely male and showing dominance in order to attrack one of the females (assuming you have both male and females), the chasing is part of the dominance display.

If/when a pair forms and eggs are produced (assuming they are not eaten before you see them) they will look like little balls, usually quite a large clump, if fertile they will turn a yellow/cream colour, unfertile will be white. The pair would protect the eggs although as usual with a 1st spawn (and sometimes subsequent spawns) they may eat the eggs or even fry once hatched.

You dont have to return the others, but its often best to, to avoid the other fish causing stress on the parents or the others trying to eat the eggs.

 

[totally tropical]

Thanks a million.

How will I know that a pair has bonded i.e. will they swim in a pair the bulk of the time? Are there obvious signs a pair has bonded/formed?

I just don't want to take back the wrong keyholes! i.e. take back one or both of the bonded pair by mistake. Want to be absolutely certain.

Cheers.

 

[minxfishy]

A pair will most often stay together and if they spawn, they will both protect the eggs, it will be obvious to you, as they will both chase the others away. When a pair forms, they often do a little dance around each other, rubbing each other etc, you will know

 

[totally tropical]

Great - will keep an eye out for any tell tale lambada behaviour!!