Should I move these fish?

[SBGGrace]

Hello Everyone,

Two days ago my tank finished a fishless cycle. I have been keeping three(3) Blue-eyed Cichlids in my five(5) gallon quarrantine tank until my fifty-five(55) gallon tank finished cycling. Three days ago we noticed that the female's lower abdomen has turned black which is an indication (according to what I have read) that spawning is near. The female and the dominant male have been bullying the other male in the tank becoming very territorial.

I am beginning to add fish to my 55 gallon tank starting today with 6-8 Albino Corys. I was advised to add the least aggressive fish first. I am planning to have an all South/Central American Cichlid tank. I am choosing the more peaceful species (kribs, rams etc.).

I don't want the small male Blue-eyed to continue to suffer this abuse. I want to move him to the large tank, but I am not sure if the dominant male will turn on the female or not. Right now, we do not see any eggs in the tank. Should I move all of the Blue-Eyes to the larger tank? How will this affect the female? Should I just move the small male and wait until the other two have spawned before moving them? Any and all comments are welcomed and appreciated.

[Chet]

Assuming your tank has thoroughly cycled, I would go ahead and move the fish to the 55. Add some small flowerpots turned on their sides for spawing/ hiding areas. You may also want to add a few dither fish, such as giant danios or tiger barbs. That will give the big males something to chase besides the female or smaller male. If your female is indeed gravid, then the extra space, clean water, and reduced stress could trigger them to spawn. In any case, good luck with your fish and let us know how things turn out.

[SBGGrace]

Thanks Chet. I'll move them to the new tank soon.

[Rex Karr]

I agree with Chet. What other cichlids are you planning on adding?

Rex

[SBGGrace]

Hi Rex,

We're adding some Corys and some Ram Cichlids.

[Chet]

How are the fish getting along in the 55? Is your female still gravid? Have they spawned or exhibited any pre-spawning behavior? Keep us informed of your progress.