[Jasoncham2003]

I have a zebra that has been holding for about 2 weeks now and i can see the eys of the fish in the eggs. It is absolutley amazing. This is her first hold and i must say she is a pro!

Question: after the eggs hatch do only some fish hold the fry in there mouths or all africans do it?
If so how long do they do this for?
Is the main concern for danger the mother eating the fry or other fish?

 

[why_spyder]

Most, if not all, Malawian cichlids are mouthbrooders (care for young in their mouth). The duration of holding is usually 21 - 24 days. Some mothers are more likely to eat their young than others - a lot of it depends on the female. That is why, if you plan to keep the fry, you seperate her from her young as soon as she spits.

 

[Jasoncham2003]

I know she keeps her eggs in her mouth until they hatch. so total between eggs and fry holding will only be 21 days. after 21 days the fry are on there own?

 

[why_spyder]

For the most part, yes. Some species' females will hold them for up to a week or two after they have finished the growth period. She may let them out to feed amongst the substrate and such, and then take them back in when danger is close by.

 

[Jasoncham2003]

right now i have her in a 10g all by herself. Is the danger in the mom eating the fry in this time period or after the few weeks that she is caring for the fry in her mouth? Basically i want to know when to remove her and leave the fry in the 10g.

 

[why_spyder]

If you are willing to strip her - I'd strip her after day 14, put the fry in the 10 gallon, and put the female back into the main tank.