How long do African cichlids hold fry?

Do fish take their babies in the mouth?

Some species will take their babies back into the mouth in times of danger, while others ignore them once they have been released. The big advantage these fish have over most other fish is that their eggs are relatively safe in the adult’s mouth and most will at least reach the free-swimming stage.

Do catfish lay eggs in their mouth?

The female Pindu Fish incubates her eggs in her mouth and releases the fry when the eggs hatch. Most catfish are normally active at night, however, the Peppered Cory Catfish is active more often during the day. The Ghost Catfish, also known as Glass Catfish, are nearly transparent and small catfish.

Why do some fish eat their own eggs?

Some fish have evolved to exploit the mouthbrooding behaviour of other species. Synodontis multipunctatus, also known as the cuckoo catfish, combines mouthbrooding with the behavior of a brood parasite: it eats the host mouthbrooder’s eggs, while spawning and simultaneously laying and fertilizing its own eggs.

Who takes the eggs in cichlids?

In the case of the maternal mouthbrooders, the female takes the eggs. Maternal mouthbrooders are found among both African and South American cichlids.

How do I set up a cichlid tank?

To clean your substrate, place it in a strainer, and rinse it with hot water until the water runs clear. Place the tank in a place that does not get too much sunlight. Live plants don’t fare well in cichlid tanks, so sunlight is not necessary. Also, too much sunlight will encourage algae growth. Add the water filter and heater.

Do fish have eggs or live birth?

These animals usually have a great many offspring (usually eggs, although a few have live births) so that at least a few of them survive to continue the species’ survival. When do fish lay eggs?

How does a female catfish lay eggs?

The female catfish needs deep cover and a cave like an environment to lay her eggs. The female catfish understands without taking these active steps, plenty of other fish species will consume the eggs quickly as a food source.

Do male cichlids fertilise eggs in mouth?

Among the maternal mouthbrooding cichlids, it is quite common (e.g., among the mbuna) for the male to fertilise the eggs only once they are in the female’s mouth.

How to care for a cichlid fish tank?

Next, fill the bottom of the tank with 2 inches of pebbles and arrange some larger rocks around the tank to give the cichlids hiding places. Finally, fill the tank with water, and run the heater and filter for several weeks, until the pH is between 7.8 and 8.5 to ensure that the water is safe for your fish.

How to care for a Tanganyikan cichlid fish?

Cichlids themselves are very sensitive to pollutants in the water such as ammonia, with is produced by fish waste and uneaten food. Having good filtration will make sure your tank is clean and less toxic to your fish. So, overall – good filtration = good fish health. Choosing the right substrate for your Tanganyikan species tank is very simple.

Do female catfish bite when they lay eggs?

Female catfish are only used to lay eggs and the male kicks the female out when she is done. The females will bite after the spawn, but you will have to know where to find them. They lay low after the egg-laying period.

What is the best substrate for peacock cichlids?

A sandy substrate is best for peacock cichlids. Don’t use a rough or sharp substrate because this could hurt the fish when they sift through it in search of food. Position large rocks, caves, and hollow decorations to provide hiding places for peacock cichlids, and to reduce territorial behavior.

How often should I change the water for my cichlids?

Do normal water changes of 10% to 15% a week, or more frequent changes depending on the nitrite/ammonia levels and stocking numbers. The Lake Tanganyika cichlids cannot handle large water changes very well unless the new water chemistry closely matches the water they are in.

Can cichlids live in Lake Tanganyika?

Lake Tanganyika is the second to largest lake in the world, thus contributing to a low fluctuation in temperature and pH. All Tanganyika cichlids need stable temperatures kept within acceptable limits and lots of oxygen to survive. Temperatures under 72° F and over 86° F for too long is not tolerated by many of these fish.

What is the best temperature for a Tanganyikan cichlid?

Tanganyikan Cichlids are a tropical fish, so they will need a submersible heater. Most brands of heaters show the appropriate wattage per gallon, so read the directions carefully. I keep my tang tank at a constant 78 degrees F. I would say that is probably a temperature to aim for. African Cichlids in general like a naturally alkaline hard water.

What do cichlids need to live in a cave?

With good water quality and regular food, the cichlids will do the rest for you, setting up home and usually breeding. Many shell-dwelling species are adaptations of these cave spawners and include Neolamprologus ocellatus. Their caves are made up of the empty, calcified shells of Neothauma snails which are preserved by the hard alkaline water.

Do male or female catfish bite?

Female catfish are only used to lay eggs and the male kicks the female out when she is done. The females will bite after the spawn, but you will have to know where to find them.

How big do fourspine cichlids grow?

The way the Fourspine Cichlid grows in a community tank is quite unusual. It is actually bigger when kept in an aquarium than when it lives in its natural habitat. If you keep it in your home aquarium, it will grow as big as 7.8 inches (20 cm) while it can reach only about 4.3 inches in the wild.

How deep is Lake Tanganyika?

The mighty Congo river empties into Lake Tanganyika and this mass of water is almost one mile deep with, it is thought, another three miles of sediment underneath.

Does it matter which type of cichlids I keep?

If you are keeping cichlids, it still matters which type of cichlids since there are several cichlid species with varying characteristics, depending especially on the environmental conditions in their natural habitat.

Why do cichlids have caves in their cage?

Cichlids are notoriously aggressive and having a hideout significantly reduces stress levels in the aquarium. The crevices and caves are also significant in that they serve as colonies for beneficial nitrifying bacteria. 8. Hygiene is your top priority at first

How long should I Feed my catfish floating feed?

Your catfishes are still very small and tender at this stage, so they need quality nutrient in their feed; this formula results in a feed rich in good protein but it is a bit expensive; it is not as expensive as using floating feed, though. You should only have to use this feed formula for around 1 – 2 months.