How to tell if a cichlid is spawning?

[chewkh101]

Hi,

I have a tank of African cichlids and I noticed one of the orange one that constantly keep chasing the others away. I did not noticed any eggs. But one day while cleaning the aquarium I noticed small fishes(about 1cm big), i.e. small cichlids are born. Luckily I had a lot of corals chips and I guessed thats why some manage to survived. I believe the majority are eaten by the other cichlids.

How do I know if the cichlid had spawned?

I understand they are mouth brooders, but I did not ntoiced anything different previously.

Thanks

[atasp]

I didn't know my pair of cichild in my office spawn untill I saw 30+ frys swimming near the dw with their mum......hopefully they will get through the 1st week



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[fishking]

Hi, you can see some some fishes that have spawned especially the females with eggs in their mouths. Their mouth will always look like they are eating something and they will be very skinny. This is because there are eggs in the mouth and the female fish is incubating her eggs. Sometimes you can see this in LFS as well.

[chewkh101]

Thanks. BTW, do you know normally how many babies are born each time? I usually find 2-6 small babies among the coral rubbles everytime I change water and stir the sand.

[fishking]

It really depends on the size of the females. Sometimes it ranges from 20 to 50 eggs.

[atasp]

update.....3+ months old

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[bravobb]

I didn't know my pair of cichild in my office spawn untill I saw 30+ frys swimming near the dw with their mum......hopefully they will get through the 1st week



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Nice couple.

[johannes]

Hi atasp,

Is that Sajica pair there that you spawned?

[atasp]

Nice couple.

Thanks bravobb.....veri productive too.....had spawned 3 times liao but din yield any fry
maybe the tank is just not right

Hi atasp,

Is that Sajica pair there that you spawned?

Hi johannes,
dun tink so....likely to B cheapo Convict Cichlid