trish_norris

I think one of my smaller cichlids is holding. I have come to think they are yellow labs. She is staying to herself in the same little cave and she is not eating much if at all. My tank is cycled and all of the water parameters are as they should be. She pokes her head out of the cave a lot, and her mouth looks a little strange to me (the way she moves it if that makes sense). Does it sound like holding to any of you. If so I need instructions on what to do! How long does it last? Thanks a million.

steveangela1

According to what I just read they will hold up to 40 days according to the temp of the tank, if its over 80 degrees its less than that. It also said that the mother will care for the young for a week after they are spat out.

Allie is the cichlid breeding pro, I am sure I remember her saying not to trust malawi cichlids w/ their young. Of coarse I have a kenyi holding for the first time right now, they don't have any maternal caring after they spit the fry.

trish_norris

what kind of cichlid is that in your avatar?

Allie

That is a yellow lab

Does your fish's mouth look like this?

steveangela1

I didn't get to repost until now.. I finally went to bed after being up for over 24 hours from working night-shift...
Yes thats my lab.
Those are some good pics of holding cichlids Allie! I have been trying to get pics of my girl but shes got so nervous she hides from the camera.

Allie

Thanks. My cobalt zebra females are nervous of the camera too.

trish_norris

yes! that is what her mouth looks like. And her coloring looks a little different also not quite as bright as it was. She did eat last night though. I am a little excited but also a little worried. I don't know how to care for her anything special I need to do? And she looks exactly like the avatar pic so I guess that matter is settled. Do the males look different because the other one doesn't look like that. His fins across his back are different. Thanks for letting me annoy you! Still have tons to learn!

Allie

True yellow labs look basically the same. The male should have black trim on his fins...especially is anal fin. The usually have eggs spots on their anal fins too. Female may get the blacker trim when holding tho.
Here their profile:
http://www.cichlidforum.com/profiles/species.php?id=713