I was observing my tank and I noticed a bulge under one of my cichlid's mouth. I came across this video and I'm wondering if you guys think she might be holding fry based on this?
http/s1048.photobucket.com/albums/s376/jriter6/?action=view¤t=148edf7f.mp4
Is my cichlid holding eggs?
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sweetpot - Posts: 9
- Joined: Sun Mar 24, 2024 2:22 pm
Re: Is my cichlid holding eggs?
I think your lab is holding, judging by the video. Have you checked if she's eating when you feed the fish? If you're planning to keep the fry, you'll need to remove her from the main tank or the other fish will eat them. It usually takes about 28 days before she spits, and it's normal for her not to eat during that time.
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darkflow - Posts: 38
- Joined: Thu Apr 28, 2022 5:51 pm
Re: Is my cichlid holding eggs?
I've got a separate breeder set up that I can move her to when the time gets close.darkflow wrote: ↑Tue Jul 29, 2025 10:23 am I was observing my tank and I noticed a bulge under one of my cichlid's mouth. I came across this video and I'm wondering if you guys think she might be holding fry based on this?
http/s1048.photobucket.com/albums/s376/jriter6/?action=view¤t=148edf7f.mp4
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sweetpot - Posts: 9
- Joined: Sun Mar 24, 2024 2:22 pm
Re: Is my cichlid holding eggs?
I'm all set with a breeder to move her into when the time gets close. Then I can transfer her back to the main tank once she's done.darkflow wrote: ↑Tue Jul 29, 2025 10:23 am I was observing my tank and I noticed a bulge under one of my cichlid's mouth. I came across this video and I'm wondering if you guys think she might be holding fry based on this?
http/s1048.photobucket.com/albums/s376/jriter6/?action=view¤t=148edf7f.mp4
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larson8 - Posts: 7
- Joined: Sat Mar 09, 2024 6:54 am
Re: Is my cichlid holding eggs?
I'm pretty sure she's just a few days in, judging by how my lab looked early on. The second week's when I really noticed a difference, and now I'm in the third week and can actually see the babies because her mouth doesn't close all the way. One thing, though - don't count on her not eating at all; my lab will still nibble on a pellet carefully and spit some back out, so some do eat during this time.
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darkflow - Posts: 38
- Joined: Thu Apr 28, 2022 5:51 pm
Re: Is my cichlid holding eggs?
Just had to update - she went for a pellet and tried to nibble it, normally she'd swallow them whole. I guess that's confirmation I've got babies on the way. Looks like I'll be holding off on those new fish for now, haha.larson8 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 29, 2025 2:01 pm I'm pretty sure she's just a few days in, judging by how my lab looked early on. The second week's when I really noticed a difference, and now I'm in the third week and can actually see the babies because her mouth doesn't close all the way. One thing, though - don't count on her not eating at all; my lab will still nibble on a pellet carefully and spit some back out, so some do eat during this time.