Rainbow Cichlids Spawning?

[SouthernCross]

So it appears my rainbows are spawning.... Am I correct in saying these are the females breeding tubes I see?

They have been dancing and defending and cleaning that pot for several days now. Today's the first day I've noticed the tubes to be so prominent. Does this mean I'll have eggs soon?

Also the male seems to be somewhat aggressive toward the female - like dancing around her then darting at her. They are both looking a bit battered. There's two other rainbows in the tank who have been fighting over the female too, but it looks like she may have finally made her choice!

How soon should I see eggs with her tubes like this?

Thanks!

 

[star4]

it should be any time now, the last picture it looks like the male's tube is coming down. I have never bred rainbows so not 100% sure on these, but usually the female will show first, then as soon as the male shows laying starts.

 

[malfunction]

I have four of these little guys (1 male, 3 females), and they're always breeding (whether I like it or not). Your pair are definitely close to spawning. They'll lay hundreds of tiny eggs against a flat surface. Judging by the female cleaning the flowerpot in your last shot, I'd say that's their chosen spawning site. They'll also dig some shallow pits in the sand and use them as temporary homes for their hatchlings (they like to move thier fry around - a lot!!).

How big is your tank? The breeding pair will display much more aggression when they spawn. And it'll get worse once the eggs hatch. Depending on your tank size, your other fish may be hurt or even killed. I'd seriously consider either moving the other fish or getting a divider if your tank is relatively small.

 

[SouthernCross]

Its a 4x2x2.... So fairly big....

 

[star4]

Any eggs yet?

 

[SouthernCross]

I thought there were when I looked in the tank this morning before I went to work but they are gone now.

It's normal for them to eat them on the first try right?

 

[malfunction]

Yeah, pretty much.

The first few attempts are often test runs that end with them eating the eggs/fry. They get much better with practice though.

The eggs may have hatched, and they may be hiding the fry somewhere you can't see. Is the female still in breeding dress? And are they still guarding a territory?

 

[SouthernCross]

No they are back to swimming around like normal. Will keep an eye on things, I'm sure they will try again. I'm also going to remove two of the males (although its hard to be sure which one she spawned with!) but all of them were trying to 'woo' her so I'm just going to make my best guess.

 

[star4]

Shame, it does happen a lot though.

 

[CSnyder00]

Had a pair of GBR's that used to eat eggs every time. They will also eat them if they feel threatened or stressed.