[frontosaguy]

I recently obtained some lovely Cyprichromis sp. Jumbo Mpulungu. They are WC and quite large (4+ inches). They were large enough that I placed them with Fronts - which is perfect, because the Fronts are so calm, whereas more active fish (read: Tropheus) can stress Cyps.

Anyway, I have a female who is about ready to release and I bought a nursery tank and set it up. Here's the question: What is the least disruptive way I can get the holding female out? Any time I have to break down the tank to remove a fish, the Fronts freak and injure themselves.

Suggestions? :-?

 

[Charlutz]

This is what I do and have had good success. There are other methods. Let the cyp hold for about 21 days. If you feed them crushed flake, she will continue to eat while she is holding. After 21 days, go into your tank at night with a flashlight after the fish have fallen asleep. Net out the holding female, and with wet hands, flip her over on her back and use your thumb to gently press on her throat just in front of her belly. She'll spit the fry into a waiting container. Then just drop her back in the tank.

 

[triscuit]

How large are the fronts? They're probably eying those new tasty snacks you just provided for them. :fish:

 

[frontosaguy]

How large are the fronts? They're probably eying those new tasty snacks you just provided for them.

No, honest! The Cyps are really big! (My largest fronts are about 9 inches.) They eyed the Cyps at first, but no casualties for several weeks now.

 

[fiupntballr]

You can also just take the female out and place her into the empty nursery tank and have her release them when she is ready.

Remember when your going to capture them approach them real slow to avoid spooking any of the fish which might slam into a rock and hurt themselves...

 

[24Tropheus]

If they do start to dwindle in numbers you will know the cause. I hear thats what wild fronts like best, a sleepy Cyp snack, early morning before they get going or late evening when they settle on the bottom. :drooling:
But fonts are a lazy fish so yours may just prefer prepared foods. :?

 

[Qaddiction]

With 9" fronts it shouldn't be long before some of those cyps start to disappear. I would be very hesitant about that if you really like your cyps. From everything that I have read, cyps are one of the frontosas natural foods. It wouldn't be nothing for a 9" front to swollow a 4" cyp. Owner beware.