Please help CM

[Mogo]

Hi CM, how are you. Good I hope. I know you're pretty busy, but I really need your help.

I've finally managed to successfully introduce the two female zebra chilumbas in with the crazy male. One a couple months back, and the other maybe 3 weeks ago. The first one started producing eggs and a couple days ago she was literally bursting at the seams. Well, yesterday she started swimming above and around his love den, while he did his dance BELOW her, and started dropping the eggs mid tank and quickly turning around and grabbing them. She dropped maybe about 20 or so throughout the day, but grabbed them so quick that I don't think there was any chance of fertilization. Last time this happened, a few months ago when he was beating her up pretty bad before I moved her into a hospital tank, I believe she dropped them from stress, as she just dropped them where ever, all over the tank. Now she's actually doing this around his cave and he's not harassing her. The thing is, she goes right back into her cave after, but when it comes to feeding time, she eats as much as usual, and it doesn't look like shes holding any of the eggs. Is she just eating the eggs? Is there a reason for this?She's still pretty plump today, but doesn't seem to have any interest in the male and spends most of the time hanging out in her area. I don't understand what's going on, and why this is happening. Any ideas? Thanks in advance

 

[cichlidmaster]

Hi Mogo,

Sorry for the late reply.

First off..........It is not unusual for the first couple of attempts for the fish not to get it right!!

Give them a few more tries and see what happens. I don't recall, but are there other fish in the tank?? If so then could the males attention be geared to keeping them away during breeding??

Given the fact that the females were out of the main tank for a period of time, it is not suprising that they make mistakes!!

As I said, give them a few more tries and post the results.

You should also keep in mind that it is not always a guarantee that fish will have successful spawns.

CM

 

[Mogo]

Hi CM,

Thanks for the reply. Not to worry about being late

This is that crazy mean zebra that had to be put into his own tank, so it's just him and the two ladies in a 46 gallon. It's nice to finally have the girls in with him, he's actually allowed them in this time around, as before he was just beating them to a pulp. That's why they we're always going back into hospital tanks.

The last two females I had for him (both gone now, poor stock, and were constantly ill) both had managed to mate with him, but never carried the eggs to term. Maybe these new girls just need a little practice, and hopefully they'll get it right sooner or later. Perhaps I just need to be a little patient, afterall, this is the longest duration that they've been in with him.

Neither of them are plump right now, but I'll keep you posted on how things go next time around. Thanks for the help