What are if any?

[Joyce]

I have a yellow lab that should be having babies soon, I think. What are the signs if any that she is going to have the babies soon. She has been holding for about 24 days now. Any info would be great. Thanks

[SGypsyMermaid]

is she in a tank by herself? if she's been holding for 24 days, she will spit at any moment! congratulations!

[Joyce]

She's still in the tank with all the other fish. She's done fine so far so I really don't want to move her. She has been staying in the corner of the tank lately and thought that maybe she is getting ready. Does anyone think the other fish can tell when she is ready to have the babies. Some of the other fish have been hanging around her looking like they are waiting for lunch. Will she have them one right after the other, what will it look like?

[tom]

Hi Joyce, and welcome.

They <I> will </I> have lunch if the fry are released in the community tank.

The release will look pretty much like she's spitting them out: They'll appear as nearly transparent yellow--but definitely yellow nevertheless--slivers with eyes. They may or may not all see daylight quite nearly at the same time: A few may linger in the cavity. In general, expect anywhere between 8 and 15 fry ( labs tend to produce fewer fry than most Mbuna I've kept).

[SGypsyMermaid]

i have never seen the actual release. what i have seen is all of a sudden...all of the fish in the tank making a mad dash for one small area, pushing and shoving...then when i drop some flakes and watch the bottom of the tank, i usually see tiny fry peeking out and dashing out for a bite...those are the ones that survive.