52 replies to this topic

[kylie85]

hey guys,

i think one of my cichlids is holding something in its mouth??

i cant get a photo as it is hiding, but this is a picture of my other one.

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[Riggers]

Hi kylie,

It's possible that it's a female and she's holding a mouthful of eggs, if you can see inside her mouth you may be able to see a bunch of orange eggs, if she's not eating and has a full mouth it's a pretty sure sign she's holding eggs

[kylie85]

Hey Riggs,
Yeh I'm pretty sure she is but not many. She isn't eating and just hangs low all the time. This is my first time so not sure what to do I have 8 other cichlids in my tank.

[Bowdy]

very exciting isnt it kylie as its a mixed cichlid tank just let leave her to it and let her spit in the tank.

[Riggers]

If you want to try catch her you can seperate her off into a breeding net or something similar till she's ready to spit em out, it's always interesting to see the fry for the first time and if there hybrid fish just send em to fish heaven

[kylie85]

It is very exciting I would love to see the fish that small!
Dam hate living in the pillbara sometimes, I havent got anything to put her in

[sandgroper]

Leave her for now, wait 3 to 4 weeks then catch her. Mine usually spit in the bucket when caught, if she dosn't then hold her in your hand under water head down and open her mouth with a tooth pick. The young un's will be set free, then put them in a fry saver. If you have clown loaches the fry saver will need to have a solid bottom' as they will get them at night when they sleep by sucking them through the bottom of the net. cheers Steve

[kylie85]

Cool thanks steve, haha that all sounds like fun!!
I have been looking on the net, I reckon she might only have one or two in there. You can see she has something yellow in there but her mouth isn't full like some pictures I have seen!
Whatever is in there I hope I cam save, it will be a great exp to see! I will keep ya posted )

[sandgroper]

You would be surprised Kylie just how many they can jam in there They can hold quiet tightly when holding early, then as the fry develope the throat will bulge and sometimes they have trouble keeping their gob shut, (a female trait no doubt) Just kidding. Any how have fun Steve

[kylie85]

Hahaha good one steve!!

[kylie85]

Awww I think her eggs are gone! She ate this morning

[Neakit]

there has been cases where the female can hold eggs and eat as well. So not all is lost yet, however with out seeing said female its hard to make an informed decision.

[kylie85]

Looks gone to me, she doesn't seem to have the bulge around her mouth! And has cone out of hiding I was getting excited

[Furnix]

Don't worry about it! i'm sure it will happen again! the conditions are obviously good enough for her to feel like breeding so just keep her well fed and she will be holding again in no time!

[sandgroper]

Never mined Kylie that happens sometimes when the female is really keen to please her male (she swallows).

[kylie85]

Never mined Kylie that happens sometimes when the female is really keen to please her male (she swallows).

hahaha what a rib tickler you are!

[kylie85]

YAY!!! Now one of my dolphins are holding in her mouth! Hope all goes well

[Riggers]

Good luck with the next batch kylie, if you get really keen you can try stripping the eggs and tumbling them there's a video guide on how to strip your fish and you could probably make yourself a tumbler as well

[Anka]

Never mined Kylie that happens sometimes when the female is really keen to please her male (she swallows).

hahahahahahahahahahaha

[sandgroper]

YAY!!! Now one of my dolphins are holding in her mouth! Hope all goes well

Lets hope this time she isn't to keen on the male, Kylie