"Guarding" fry from different species?

[PexGat]

My cacatuoides pair isnt the most sucessful breeding-wise... From supposedly 4 spawns, only the 3rd was actually taken care of and managed to survive for a few days, since I didn't want to pull them out. Since then, the female's been different. It feels like she is "throwing a tantrum" and wants to prove herself that she can raise fry. So she started defending some convict fry I've got in a breeding box growing out (because I dont have a spare tank). Is this something I should be worried about? I mean, shouldn't she be more worried with her own eggs? She layed eggs not too many days ago and she completely ignored them and started "caring" for the convict fry.

 

[Mike Wise]

Each species - and each individual - can behave differently. I have a pair of A. wolli right now that are caring for juveniles from 2 different spawns (about a month apart in age). No problem for now. I also have a pair of the same species that drive their fry away within a month, if ready to breed again. Your female seems highly oriented toward fry more than eggs. This isn't entirely unusual for apistos. A. borellii females have been reported to guard fry of other species - even pike cichlids(!) - and even daphnia and tubifex worms.

Are you sure she is completely ignoring the eggs? Some female practically live in the cave while other will wander around the tank a lot, especially if they think the eggs are safe.

 

[PexGat]

Each species - and each individual - can behave differently. I have a pair of A. wolli right now that are caring for juveniles from 2 different spawns (about a month apart in age). No problem for now. I also have a pair of the same species that drive their fry away within a month, if ready to breed again. Your female seems highly oriented toward fry more than eggs. This isn't entirely unusual for apistos. A. borellii females have been reported to guard fry of other species - even pike cichlids(!) - and even daphnia and tubifex worms.

Are you sure she is completely ignoring the eggs? Some female practically live in the cave while other will wander around the tank a lot, especially if they think the eggs are safe.

Thanks for the reply!

I'm positive, she completely ignored the eggs and has since been "protecting" those babies. She has had one batch survive like I said before, and she was really protective of them without having to resort to brute force on the male (can't say the same for the dithers). I'm planning on rehoming those babies in a matter of days, so I hope that doesn't shock her.