How long does a RedZebra starve when carrying eggs in it's mouth

[vikram]

Hi.. two of my female RedZebrae (Maylandia Estherae) are carrying eggs in their mouths.. They have not been eating for abt a week now.. how long do they starve when they're brooding?

 

[kay-bee19]

I've had mbuna mouthbrood for as little as 14 days to as many as 35 days.

18-21 days seems to be the norm. Some skillful mothers manage ways to eat small food particles despite having a mouthful of fry. Inexperienced mothers will swallow some or all their fry until they're able to endure the fasting period.

They've adapted to go without food for this duration and really aren't 'starving' (I'd get concerned if they went passed 35 days, that' would probably be starving).

 

[vikram]

They've adapted to go without food for this duration and really aren't 'starving' (I'd get concerned if they went passed 35 days, that' would probably be starving).

Thanks Kay-bee.. your reply comes as a relief... One of the two "Pregnant" females has swallowed the eggs (it's back to normal.. no swollen mouth.. feeding normally) ... the other one's still carrying... lemme wait n see if she broods any successfully..! fingers crossed!!!!