Callochromis Stappersii Fry

[trustemedia]

My female is holding for sure. I asked about whether she was holding once before and I now know she was based on her behavior in the past and how she is acting now. I can actually see the fry in her mouth now. I can't tell how formed they are yet, I can just see some dark or black in there. She bounces up and down by the bubbler and the heater. She has done this several times in the past and I either missed the outcome or she wasn't a good mom and didn't hold them to term.

So, here's my question. Based on the fact I know she has held before, but possibly not to term, what should I do? My first cichlid batch here and it's probably been asked 1000 times, so I apologize. I am also not sure how far along she is. There have actually been several pits in my tank over the last few weeks and I do not know which ones create these fry. If I can see movement, how far along do you think she is? I am not sure if I should let her go on her own, try to isolate her into her own tank, do breeding boxes work for cichlids?, or buy a tumbler and watch some videos and try to strip her and tumble the babies.

Hmmm. best advice here based on your mouthbrooding experience?

Thanks!

 

[trustemedia]

Well, I ended up moving her over to my 10 gallon shrimp tank, very carefully. She didn't spit and held them since I moved her until yesterday morning when I got 5 fry after a water change.

I made a video of her holding and then the fry and pics of dad. Here's the link:

Callochromis Stappersii Raspberry Head Female Cichlid Holding to Fry Release - YouTube

If you just want to see the fry, go to 11:33.

Thanks! So happy!

 

[howmanyds]

So fun. Congrats!

 

[trustemedia]

Thanks, sure am enjoying the little miracles. So cute how they try to sand sift. Congrats on yours, too! Hope you get your Peacock problem sorted out.