Cichlid female holding eggs

[jibboo]

I have a cichlid question for you guys out there. My largest female kenyii is holding eggs in her mouth. I just noticed it, so I'm pretty sure this is a recent occurrence. As per her behavior ... she is not eating and just sits in one corner of the tank.

I'm wondering a few things:

1. how long til the fry hatch?
2. she is getting bullied around quite a bit ... should I be worried about the other fish picking on her since she's pretty much just sits in one place and bite back?
3. is the not eating normal when fish are holding?

 

[rkilling1]

1. she will release the fry between 3 and 4 weeks.

2. as the time goes by she will become weaker and weaker. if she is really being bullied, i would relocate her to another tank.

3. yes it is normal.

 

[mr funktastic]

i complelty agree with rkilling1. exactly the same answers. she may release the fry earlier if she is in a tank by herself and compltly safe. a 10 gal QT would be good for her to just release the fry then feed her a few times to build her strenth back up then add her bak to the main tank. i am sure she will be back with eggs in less than a week. u can sell the fry to your LFS for money or a credit.

 

[Devilishturtles]

Moved to Cichlid Forum.

 

[maxwell1295]

Also, if she is young and inexperienced, she could possibly eat them the first couple of times until she gets the hang of it.

 

[jibboo]

Moved to Cichlid Forum.

thanks turtles ... I didn't even know there was a cichlid forum here