Convict eggs

[Istrom]

Hey all, a few days ago I noticed my female cichlid (who is paired) was sitting in a little den. Upon closer inspection, I saw eggs. I didn't mess with anything because I know they're protective. However, it has been 4 days since then, and now there are no eggs. "Great!" I thought, because that would mean there were convict fry. Nope. Nowhere to be found. There's no fish to eat the eggs either. All that's in the tank is the parents, a Chinese algae eater, and a small nerite snail. Help please?

 

[Istrom]

Update: being sucked into the filter is out of the question

 

[ezy33]

The inexperienced parents may have eaten them. If you want to hatch some then put a new clay flower pot on its side or a piece of slate for them to lay eggs on. Caution they are prolific breeders. Google luck!