Guntheri help

[Xanathos]

Hi,

I have a nice pair of adults Chromidotilapia guntheri. They spawned recently and I'm wondering if anyone knows the mouthbrooding time of the eggs/fries. My female is currently holding the eggs/fries 12 days after the spawn and i'm beginning to worry if something isnt wrong here According to Lamboj's ( excellent! ) book, they are supposed to be free swimming after 12 days, thus the worry...

Thanks a lot !
Phil

 

[Randall]

Chromidotilapia guntheri incubation

Hello Phil,

I didn't consult Lamboj's book before responding, but if memory serves, the incubation period for the genus as a whole is between 10 and 16 days. If your pair is housed in cooler water, incubation could take longer than the 10 to 12 days that is typical for the species. Also, do you think there's a chance that your male has released the fry, but not while you're looking? Some C. guntheri that I've observed tended to be skittish.

Good luck!

Randall Kohn

 

[Xanathos]

Hi Randall,

Thanks for the answer. My pair finally released the fry. I have around 150 swimming around with both parents and I must say it's just spectacular to watch them. They are the best parents I ever saw.

Everytime someone comes to visit, I have to show them the parents getting the babies back in their mouth, I cannot get enought of this

Thanks again

Phil