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Is my cichlid holding eggs?
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2025 10:23 am
by darkflow
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
Re: Is my cichlid holding eggs?
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2025 11:22 am
by sweetpot
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.
Re: Is my cichlid holding eggs?
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2025 11:49 am
by darkflow
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
I've got a separate breeder set up that I can move her to when the time gets close.
Re: Is my cichlid holding eggs?
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2025 12:07 pm
by sweetpot
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
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.
Re: Is my cichlid holding eggs?
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2025 2:01 pm
by larson8
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.
Re: Is my cichlid holding eggs?
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2025 3:24 pm
by darkflow
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.
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.