2 N. Brichardi Q's

[dogginfox]

I have had a pair of Bricardi for about a year now, they have spawned a few times but ate the fry i think. Now i have 3 survivors who are doing great! the female has been getting beat up alot recently and her tail is all torn up. they are the only fish in the tank (a 20) but i am concerned about her getting beat up. is this normal post/ pre spawning behavior?

My female has been digging a ton over the past few days, well since i did a WC but while she is digging she scrapes the sand with her sides , should i be looking for ich?

[jonah]

Digging is normal when they're ready to spawn. Keep an eye out for ich, but I wouldn't worry about it too much. Scraping can be body language between cichlids.

My male used to beat the heck out of the female. I finally had to remove him from the tank.

[Torch]

I have had Bricardi for many years and from my expierence when substrate is moved after a water change I usually see fry soon after.

You indicated the female was scraping the sand with her sides, does she do this anywhere else like on rocks ect? How about the male? Are you making any adjustments to the water during a water change?

My male and female are the best looking fish in my community tank and I personally have never seen either fish in anything but perfect condition.

good luck.