M. Johanni not eating

[Malawi Master]

Well, I have an M Johanni who isn't eating. Over a week ago I realized her belly was getting fat and her ovipositer was showing. So I put her in my 10 gal tank w/ the male because I didn't know when her fertilizes the eggs. A couple hours after I put her in the tank she laid eggs and I didn't
see the male fertilize them. Then, after a couple days the male started to chase her so I took him out (probably stressed her too much). She wouldn't really come out of hiding after the male gone and on around the 4th day after she laid eggs I noticed that the lump on her mouth was gone. After realizing this I tried to feed he bu she wouldn't eat. It turned out that the ammonia was too high so I took her out figureing she was sick and needed time to recover. Its been a few days and she still hasn't eaten and all the fish in my 29 gal chase her. She mostly hovers near the surface but if I walk up to the tank she swims around and looks perfectly fine. She is acting like she still has eggs but the lump is gone. Could she have swallowed some eggs but not all? What should I do? Any info would be helpful.
:confused: :confused: :confused:


Thanx

[SGypsyMermaid]

i don't think that you should have moved her that first time. i think that it would probably be better to let them do their mating dance in the main tank, then let her hold the eggs for a couple of weeks before removing her to a maternity tank. is she still moving her mouth like she's got something in it? if so, she might still be holding a couple.

[jnorris]

It is best to let nature take it's course! I have stopped moving females untill at least they are carrying. And then its optional.

[jonah]

If I move them at all, I'll wait until they have wigglers. I agree with SGM, she might still have a few left. I had a Sci. fryeri that laid at least 15 eggs while I watched, but she ended up with just 6 fry. Hopefully your fish'll be alright in the main tank, a 29g doesn't leave much room to get away from tormentors.