Cacutoides eats its eggs

[kribs]

HI
I have two pairs of Double Red Cacutoides in a 60 gallon planted tank with some west african dwarfs. And the Cacutoides have spawned twice and the female has ate the eggs both of the times. Is this natural or is there another solution to raising these fish.
Thanks

 

[Neil]

kribs,
It sure is not unusual. Many apistos eat their eggs for various reasons. A lot of times the pair just has to fine-tune this breeding thing, if it is new to them. Quite often, if this is the case, they will get it right about the third time. You should avoid changing too many things in the tank until after (at least) the third try.
Unfortunately, there are many other reasons apistos eat their eggs. The water conditions in the tank might not be quite to their liking or good enough for the fry to develop properly. If the fry are not developing properly and start to fungus, the female will eat them to "recycle" the nutrient energy for the next spawn.
There might also be a tank-mate problem. If apistos are housed with fish that they feel will present an indefensible danger or are simply too active, they might choose to abandon the spawn and eat them for the same reason as stated above.
I would give them another try and see what happens. At least they are laying, which suggests that you are halfway there. If it is unsuccessful again, you might have to start looking at the other issues. At that time you can post your tank-mate list and water parameters and maybe we can help you further. Good Luck :!: Neil