A 60 gallon nursery

[Scrapdaddy]

The happy couple has begun their presentation of the new fry, by moving them to one of the areas I call a "nursery". It is one of the mini pits they have been maintaining, placed in strategic areas in the tank. It's all theirs now. Until I can setup another tank...

 

[Mouth-Brooder-Fanatic]

what are they? have they got any babies? how sweet

 

[Scrapdaddy]

They are the hypsophrys nicaraguensis. I lucked out on the coloring and the mated pair. I originally thought she was a different fish. This is their fourth brood of fry, but it's the first with no other cichlids in the tank!

 

[Mouth-Brooder-Fanatic]

so u hope to keep the fry? will u sell them on? oh its so cool! x

 

[Scrapdaddy]

I am hoping to have as many get as big as I can before trading them at my local store. I've been at this a while, so it brings me a lot of fun. The fish have such unique personalities and quirks.

 

[Mouth-Brooder-Fanatic]

cichlids are fascinating because you get to explore whole new personalities, likes, dislikes and groupie statuses. i adore the babies too ha!
we will need pics of fry asap u know ;P

 

[Scrapdaddy]

I will post updated family photos as soon as Mama has them swimming about more freely! Every time I show too much interest, she starts moving everyone. Dad just takes off and swims in the power head current or annoys the Pleco and the Ghost lobster.

 

[Mouth-Brooder-Fanatic]

ha he's got his priorities lol

 

[Scrapdaddy]

There be FRY! Please join me in welcoming the fourth brood to the happy couple. This will be their first brood w/o other cichlids in the tank, so I am eager to see them grow. Dad has on his family colors now and looks like Mami!

 

[Mouth-Brooder-Fanatic]

congrats! with parents like them, they have GOT to be little stunners!
any idea how many? xx

 

[Scrapdaddy]

Hi MBF!
My best estimate ( after pics and magnifying glasses) is between 40 and 50 fry. Since it is just the family and the Pleco now, I expect to see quite a few grow to some size.
The proud parents are taking them around the tank now, and I am so happy to see the cloud of fish!

 

[Mouth-Brooder-Fanatic]

40 to 50 daaaarn. well done, thats loads!! have you been powdering food for them to eat? have the parents been munching up their food and spitting it out for the fry?
what are the adults eating?
amazing x

 

[Scrapdaddy]

I have been feeding them flake since the fry hatched. I grind a little for the fry and the parents do the same!
The parenting behavior is awesome. If Mami needs a break she nudges Papi away, or she has him watch them as she does a quick patrol of the tank for any hazards to the fry. Amazing!

 

[Mouth-Brooder-Fanatic]

aww! ur so lucky, iv never seen that caring behaviour! the tank must be very well run cos those are happy fish! i may say it alot, but it is true

 

[Scrapdaddy]

Thank you! I have been at this for over 30 years, and I still love it. This is my first time with this cichlid. I have a fondness for the Texas but like to explore,which makes me usually run several tanks. Looking for an acrylic tank over 100G for my next batch of Texas.

 

[Scrapdaddy]

The small cloud of fry has now expanded to cover a good third of the length of the tank. Mom and Dad are SO doting! It is just them and the Pleco.
The Pleco hides behind the intake tube for the Emperor 350 on the back. They annoy him and he waits until they are focused on something else and moves.

 

[Mouth-Brooder-Fanatic]

that is beautiful!! and they look happy as ever, those babies are getting a good size now. how are they all feeding? x

 

[Scrapdaddy]

They are all fat and happy! Mom and Dad have taken to splitting the group and each takes a bunch and then they join up again. These guys are keeping me busy!