Keyholes are Breeding!

[MetalRavioli]

Hello MFK!

I've come with rather exciting news - my keyhole cichlids recently laid eggs! I have six keyhole cichlids in a 90-gallon alongside a leopard ctenopoma. I've had all of them since late summer, and recently two of them laid eggs! It's the first time any of them have done so, however, within a day of them being laid, the parents ate all of the eggs. I've heard this si quite normal for keyholes to do on their first or second time mating, and I've heard that they'll try again soon. If that's true, is there anything I should do for them? I was thinking of providing them with a hide, as they were quite aggressive to any of the other fish who came even relatively close to the eggs. (except for the ctenopoma, they only displayed aggression towards him when he got in the direct vicinity of the eggs, and even then it was only warnings it seemed)

Any tips on what I should do, or if it's likely if they'll lay again or not? Below is a picture I captured of the parents and their eggs, a few hours before they ate them all.

 

[Alexxxxsv14]

They are comfortable enough to spawn so I think you are doing good. Let them do their thing I’m sure you’ll get eggs real soon

 

[aussieman57]

Sometimes they have to do it a few times before they get it right.

 

[fishguy1978]

Maybe try a small clay pot. You are correct though May take them a couple tries. Super cool.

 

[tlindsey]

Don't mess with anything especially that driftwood the female chose to lay eggs on.

 

[tlindsey]

Hello MFK!

I've come with rather exciting news - my keyhole cichlids recently laid eggs! I have six keyhole cichlids in a 90-gallon alongside a leopard ctenopoma. I've had all of them since late summer, and recently two of them laid eggs! It's the first time any of them have done so, however, within a day of them being laid, the parents ate all of the eggs. I've heard this si quite normal for keyholes to do on their first or second time mating, and I've heard that they'll try again soon. If that's true, is there anything I should do for them? I was thinking of providing them with a hide, as they were quite aggressive to any of the other fish who came even relatively close to the eggs. (except for the ctenopoma, they only displayed aggression towards him when he got in the direct vicinity of the eggs, and even then it was only warnings it seemed)

Any tips on what I should do, or if it's likely if they'll lay again or not? Below is a picture I captured of the parents and their eggs, a few hours before they ate them all.View attachment 1512720

Congrats!!!

 

[MetalRavioli]

Don't mess with anything especially that driftwood the female chose to lay eggs on.

They have been spitting a lot of sand all over that spot in particular, and digging in the sand around it as well. I was thinking of adding a hide or clay pot nearby like fishguy1978 suggested, but would that mess with anything at all? And thank you by the way!!

 

[tlindsey]

was thinking of adding a hide or clay pot nearby.

I personally would not add a clay pot or a hide.
Like I stated the female chose the driftwood to lay her eggs on. I would just do wc's and filter maintenance and leave everything else untouched.

 

[MetalRavioli]

I personally would not add a clay pot or a hide.
Like I stated the female chose the driftwood to lay her eggs on. I would just do wc's and filter maintenance and leave everything else untouched.

I'll definitely leave everything be then. Thank you! I'll continue to post updates when they occur

 

[MetalRavioli]

Update: They laid again last night! Seem to be a few more this time, and as of now they haven't eaten any! Same spot as before, hopefully these ones make it!