Who Gives A Fish Forums

Hi

I've got a cichlid, roughly 5-6cm in size, and it had a few mm of tube sticking out from below for a bit. I'm relatively new to breeding cichlids again, my only experience is with convicts and kenyi cichlids. I was wondering if the tube being out is a sign that it's ready to lay eggs or has already done so? Also, the tube seemed quite long - does that suggest it's a male, given that females typically have a smaller breeding tube, if I'm not mistaken?

I can grab some pics if that'd help clarify things.

Also what's the cichlid type, and is it a boy or girl?

I'd be really interested in any replies. I think we might have the same type of cichlid, but I'm not entirely sure - no idea what the common or scientific name is. Mine are a bit smaller though.