Artificially raising Keyhole cichlids REPORT.

[Billsgate]

Yes they are busy fish! And the strange thing is, I didn't even condition them for breeding this time (only fed them flakes and algae wafers during the last 2 weeks, no frozen foods).

That is fast isn't it....2 weeks and 3 days after their previous spawn they so it again
I'm hoping they don't suddenly learn how to take care of their fry.....THAT would be trouble...
I don't have room for all that fry! If they do do take good care of them however, I'll reward them by getting me a big plastic tub, set it up in the basement with heater and filtration, and use that as grow out tank Doesn't have to be a glass container.
And my lfs guy gave me the adress of a fish distributor whom I could sell my fish to if I've got too many.

 

[RoK]

Looks like they're doing great, keep it up!

 

[Billsgate]

Time for another update: Haven't lost a single one in the past week.
All are well and are now around 0.4" or 1 cm.
Mom and dad ate their new batch of eggs, which was to be expected Maybe they'll learn someday.

Pics:

 

[Jchillin]

Nice...very nice indeed Thomas. They look so cute and innocent.

 

[Fluff]

Wow Thomas, they are awesome. Good job!!

 

[Billsgate]

Bill, they are indeed cute and innocent But the same shynessas their parents is already beginning to develop. It's in the genes.....

Hope I can get rid of them before I go to college next year (end of september). I can't take them with me!

 

[greenmaji]

Youve been keeping me updated with your avitar.. I had to come and see it in your post!!!

 

[Billsgate]

Youve been keeping me updated with your avitar.. I had to come and see it in your post!!!

Yes...It's a way to lure people to my post
I'll post another update (pics) sometime today or tommorow. They're still doing fine, although their growth rate has decreased a bit. All are still alive.

Strange thing: I went to one lfs, and asked how long it would take for them to grow to saleable size. The guy told me it would take around 1 year 8O 8O 8O
Didn't believe him, so I went to my GOOD lfs, and they told me 2 months if given good foods and proper water changes. I think the second estimation is allot closer. Although it may be that the first lfs only wants the fish when they are full grown.

 

[gheitman]

I would go with what the second LFS told you. My LFS has sold juveniles of that species that were only about an inch and a half long.

 

[greenmaji]

I'll post another update (pics) sometime today or tommorow

It seems like you owe us some updated pictures then Billsgate! ROFL!!

Just kidding... but do you have an update?

 

[Billsgate]

I'll post another update (pics) sometime today or tommorow

It seems like you owe us some updated pictures then Billsgate! ROFL!!

Just kidding... but do you have an update?

All you have to do is ask greenmagi! (That'll teach you to hotlink to my profile!!! 8) )

I must shamefully admit that I have neglected them a wee bit the past week due to circumstances, but all is back to normal now and I'm taking good care of them. I haven't lost a single one since the last update.

Good enough?

 

[greenmaji]

There so cute! And looking good! Great work.. btw.. Ill get ya back.. 8) LOL! I was waiting on your avitar to change!..I got impatient..LOL

 

[Jchillin]

Thomas...you know what you're causing each time you provide such wonderful updates on your fry...correct?

I understand what you are saying...I'm still in your corner.

 

[Fluff]

They look awesome!

 

[Billsgate]

Some more pics of my flock of Keyholes 8)
I hope they're around 1 inch and a half in a month or 2....then I'll be moving to my room in Brussels, so I won't be able to take allot of care for them, only on weekends. (Buying auto-feeders for other tanks).

 

[Jchillin]

This is completely unfair Thomas. I have been wracking my brain looking for keyholes, and here you have this nicely stocked keyhole fry tank.

Instead of a room in Brussels, how's about a room in NYC? LOL.

Seriously though...you are doing a fantastic job.

 

[Billsgate]

This is completely unfair Thomas. I have been wracking my brain looking for keyholes, and here you have this nicely stocked keyhole fry tank.

Instead of a room in Brussels, how's about a room in NYC? LOL.

Seriously though...you are doing a fantastic job.

I'll send you all of them. You can auction off the rest to make up for the shipping costs!

A room in NYC........Why not!!! If I could pay for it I probably would consider studying abroad. Not that our education stinks, it's good, but would be fun to emerse my self in all american culture

And thanks for the compliments!

 

[Fluff]

They look great Thomas!!!

 

[RoK]

Babies grow up so fast, huh?!? They look great.

 

[Billsgate]

Well, finally delivered them to my lfs!
I didn't receive any money nor store credit (just some food) for them (I gave them around 40 little ones, still have 10 left in my 29 gal)), because they were too small to sell....but since I'm almost never at home, I don't have time to care for them decently.

Sorry I didn't get anymore pics, but my I left my camera in my room in Brussels. And besides, they didn't look much different, just bigger (1 inch- 1 1/4 inch).

JChillin.........I'm still waiting for you to get some as well!