Pair of cichlids for life ?

[qguy]

Does anyone have a pair of dovii, jags, festae etc that has paired for life or at least a long time without thee male killing the female without using any dividers ?

I am asking because I have kept these types of fish and so far no female has survived more than 4 spawns..
I am thinking that the males are wired to eliminate the female after so many spawns to prevent inbreeding. Same way a male lion is driven away or killed by a rival male lion which prevents inbreeding

qguy......thinking out loud

 

[vinod_uthaiah]

This is a very interesting topic....thinking backwards , I had a pair of Jaguars and the male killed the female after 3 spawns .
I introduced another female but it did not make to the spawn stage .
Now I have a pair of Dovii's , successful spawn twice , after reading your post , will check to see for any trend.
The male and female are always together without the use of divider.

 

[CANAMONSTER]

Tank size, male temperament/size/age and strength of bond

Just something I have noticed IME is that when the male becomes an adult they seem to be easier on the females. Unlike a horny teenager for example. My 20 inch Umbee was with his female for 2 years no divider and 4 successful spawns.
My Midas pair have a better relationship then most humans though I do have a divider in the corner for her and she does retreat once or twice every few months. But they are in a 75g and he is about 8 inch. See most people don't keep there fish to adult size. There will always be that crazy psycho male but I really think maturity in the male plays a big role and also the bond they form. They get to pick in the wild who they spawn with!

 

[petspoiler]

not long ago I read of a species of freshwater fish that mate for life. Once bred, if one of the pair dies or is taken away, neither will accept a new mate. Unfortunately I can't remember what their name is. I "think" it is african and isn't too large, just a few inches. also not real flashy or pretty.
Maybe someone else will remember.

 

[ehh]

Female doesn't want to spawn. Male doesn't like that so instead of chasing her out of his territory so he can move on to a compliant female he kills her.

 

[qguy]

too add... I had a 8 inch dovii, had one spawn and then killed the female, the male dovii never ate till he died

 

[robmcd]

I know that it isn't a very exciting or original fish but I've had convict pairs live together for years.

 

[Evz jardini]

I've got a breeding pair of jags , had at least ten spawns , never divided them but I have put a smaller pipe in for the female to hide in if things get a little ruff (and it does at times ) she never uses it though she's one tuff cookie holds her own fine with him.

 

[ehh]

I know that it isn't a very exciting or original fish but I've had convict pairs live together for years.

Actually, I've never seen a male convict beat the crap out of his lady.

 

[tlindsey]

Sometimes you have rare cases where the female will kill the male, I have a female Kribensis that killed two males. After spawning with the second male and eggs were fertilized female killed the new male. I agree from what was stated about having more female or males to choose from. BTW read other cases like mine with female Kribs.