Uh Oh! My M. estherae OB is knocked up, but by whom?

Jan 20, 2005
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#1
Okay! Now after all of the discussion about hybrids on a forum a couple of weeks ago, my M. estherae OB is carying eggs. This was a surprise to me because I thought she was a male. I guess I was wrong!

Now to figure out by whom. I'm pretty sure who it was but I just wanted to get some advice. Here's my tank list: Cichlid Planted: Red Jewel, Red Zebra, Blue Malawi, M. estherae OB, M. Auratus, 2 Krib, 2 Convicts (Breeding like rabbits!), Firemouth, Jack Dempsey, Common Pleco. It was more than likely, er, most definately my Red Zebra, right? He's the only one that would be compatible with her, right? If it was him, I won't be suprised if he eats his own babies. He is so hyper-dominant, he is still an A-hole to her along with all the others.

Now to figure out what to do with the fry. I'm going to let nature take its course and see if any survive at all. If they do, what should I do with 'em? I believe they'll desrve a chance at life, but I have no room for 'em. I know the majority of ya'll (me included) would like to keep hybrids out of our LFSs. I guess I could give 'em away letting it be known that they ARE HYBRIDS. Any suggestions?
 

Orion

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Feb 10, 2003
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#2
well if you don't have any room to move them anywhere else then you don't really have much of an option for them. Let the female spit, and if any survive then so be it.

It may be worth it to you to try and get a grow out tank for them for just the expernce in raising good healthy fish.

Personaly I wouldn't sell them or give them to anyone, but thats me.