Need info, Dovii female has laid eggs...

RMac

Gambusia
MFK Member
Mar 4, 2007
156
1
16
Michigan
I just walked in and noticed that my 5" pair of dovii have eggs in the tank. The female is in the flower pot with all the eggs, the male is hanging out on the outside of pot. Should I leave the lights off?, Do I feed them now at all?
How long does it take for eggs to hatch? Is there anything in particular I need to do? Any advice is much appreciated! They both have pretty decent color on them, so should be some nice fry if they ever make it.
 

CichlidAddict

Gambusia
MFK Member
Apr 19, 2006
739
3
16
MN
Congrats! I don't do anything differently when my pair spawns.
Just make sure the female has a hiding spot where the male can't reach her. I lost a female once after they spawned.
 

big train

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Jul 12, 2006
1,050
5
68
Chesapeake V.A.
I have a pair about the same size as yours and when they spawn i don't do anything different same light schedual and feedings although the female won't eat but the male eats the same.It will take 3 or 4 days to hatch and a few more days til the fry are free swimming so about a week and moma will be escorting the fry around the tank it's pretty cool.My pair have been getting along well i do not fear the male killing her right now the pair are about 6" in a 125 gal with 4 red devil growouts acting as dithers for the pair so the male stays busy all day flaring up and postering at the devils it's fun to watch.
 

RMac

Gambusia
MFK Member
Mar 4, 2007
156
1
16
Michigan
Thanks BigTrain. Should I hold off on water changes for now? If so, when would I start again, and how much?
 

big train

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Jul 12, 2006
1,050
5
68
Chesapeake V.A.
No don't stop your wc schedual i do a 50% change every week.
 

RMac

Gambusia
MFK Member
Mar 4, 2007
156
1
16
Michigan
Thanks. I just didn't want to spook the fish into eating the eggs, but I will keep the water changes on schedule. Appreciate your help!
 

outlaw

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 7, 2007
111
0
0
south carolina
I suggest not changing a thing and the only time you need to get involved is if the aggresion gets to be too much for either one. My female was the more agg of the two when my pair spawned. The first time none of the eggs hatched but the second time they took. If any of the eggs turn white they are infertile. Good luck on the fry man.
 

RMac

Gambusia
MFK Member
Mar 4, 2007
156
1
16
Michigan
Thanks for your help guys. Haven't been on in a while, but today its been a week now. There were only a few white eggs that did not hatch, but there is a pot full of little fry that mama hasn't let out of the pot yet. Now for some strange reason, just today the male just started hitting the lid of the tank on a regular basis. Not sure if he is seeing his reflection or what, but its kind of funny, (but a little annoying)... LOL.
So far, not too much aggression between the parents. The female keeps him at bay.
 
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