Why is my convict cichlid digging holes next to fry

[sean2024]

Hi everyone, my convicts had babies and they’re free swimming. I noticed the parent digging holes next to the fry all day long and was curious to why is this?

 

[tlindsey]

Hi everyone, my convicts had babies and they’re free swimming. I noticed the parent digging holes next to the fry all day long and was curious to why is this?

How old are the fry?
Possibly making pits to move the fry around or maybe ready to spawn again.

 

[sean2024]

How old are the fry?
Possibly making pits to move the fry around or maybe ready to spawn again.

The eggs hatched about a week ago

 

[sean2024]

The parent is digging all holes in one side of the tank

 

[sean2024]

Heres some of them

 

[sean2024]

Heres more

 

[tlindsey]

Heres more

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The parents may be ready to spawn again.

 

[Jexnell]

The pits are safety areas for the fry. If a predator appears, the fry will instinctualy run to the pit and hide until it's safe again.

 

[sean2024]

The parents may be ready to spawn again.

Oh okay, dont they usually eat the babies before spawning again?

 

[sean2024]

The pits are safety areas for the fry. If a predator appears, the fry will instinctualy run to the pit and hide until it's safe again.

Interesting, they both are great parents. I was sand vacuuming and they were biting the siphon haha