Mouth full

[merlyn2221]

My L. caeruleus female is currently holding. :D I can see the eggs rolling around her mouth. Since this is my first (well really second, the first mommy died still holding) stab at grandmotherhood, any advice?

I am wondering how long she will be holding ( know between 20-28 days); I first noticed the slight bulge in her throat on the 20th and immediately took her out and moved her to the 5g hospital tank. So how far back from that day should I count to determine her spit date?

I wasn't cut out to be a midwife! I hope she has good natural instincts! :)

[SGypsyMermaid]

i always count from the date that i first notice the mouthful, cuz if you didn't see them spawning, there's no way to exactly pinpoint the spit date anyway...so just settle in for the wait granny!:D

[merlyn2221]

SGM, how many fry does a first timer have usually? Any idea. I can only see one or two eggs through her mouth, but of course her buccal cavity is bulging. I'm guessing about 10-12 eggs. Think that's about right?

I have read all the posts about holding and stripping. How long to wait before stripping if she goes beyond the 28 days?

I feel like I've never had fish before in a circumstance like this! :( Especially after the first incident.

Thanks for all the help. :)

[SGypsyMermaid]

the number of fry varies depending on the size of the fish, whether or not the spawning was interrupted, how many eggs got stolen, etc...i'm afraid that i can't give you a count. since you've removed her to a maternity tank, i don't think that you'll have any problems with her holding past 28 days since she won't have to worry about predators, and will probably spit with no problems. someone else will have to give you info on stripping--i never do it, though i permit friends to strip some of my fish if they want the fry and i'd intended to just let them spit into the tank.

[merlyn2221]

I don't think I would strip her unless it were absolutely necessary. I have read all the posts in the forum regarding the issue and have made my decision based on that as well as reading other articles and talking with other "cichlidophiles" in my area.

I guess I will just wait it out.
Can't wait to see the babies! :dance:

(And I love this dancing banana! :rofl: But then I am easily amused!)

[merlyn2221]

Just an update: she's a bit thinner, but still got the mouthful. I could actually see a little head in there last night!

Hope it's not too much longer.

[SGypsyMermaid]

patience...patience...

[merlyn2221]

Ok, it's day 14. 2 weeks since I put her in the "nursery" tank.

I am going crazy here!:rofl:

[SGypsyMermaid]

you're almost there, gramma--hang tough!:D

[Overawed]

What do they look like?

OA: Who knows yet?
They are still in her mouth!:rofl:
Of course pics will be soon to follow.

I think she'll hold for at least another week before she spits, but she's looking kind of ready. She won't come out of her cave for anyone but me. (After all, I am the gramma!)

:D

[angelhf13]

I know exactly how you feel merlyn!! Not too long ago was I a new granny for the first time!! I sat in front of the nursery tank constantly trying to get a peek at my electric yellow's fry while she was still holding. I would even get up in the middle of the night and peek in hoping I'd see her release! Every now and then one would wiggle its way out of her mouth, and she would suck it back in! She held as long as she could... about 30 days. I really think she would have held them longer if she could have. She didnt want to let them go! :)

[merlyn2221]

:party: :dance:

She released some fry today!!! They are mini versions of her, and they are soooo cute! She hasn't spit them all yet, though. When I was looking at the hospital tank today, I saw one shoot out of her mouth halfway, but then she sucked it right back in again.

There are maybe about 5 fry that could clearly be seen swimming around in the rocks, but there are still a few in her mouth trying to escape.

Hope she spits them tomorrow.

Fed the fry today for the first time. Used finely crushed flakes and watched 2 of the fry gobble them up rapidly.

I am sooo proud and happy. I called Ye Old Fishmeister (my father, who was as excited as I was to be a great-grandpa) first, then called everyone else I know to tell them about the babies! (They already think I'm crazy.) :rofl:

Only you guys understand!!:D

[SGypsyMermaid]

congrats!:D

[matt1066]

Hi Merlyn,

Congrats on the fry, nice accomplisment:dance:

Love that banana!

Regards,

Matt

[merlyn2221]

Last night took all the rocks out and to my surprise counted a total of 16 little fry.

She seems totally disinterested in them now and is more concerned about eating!:rofl: I will be moving her out in about a week.

I am just soooo happy! :dance: