The only time I remove cichlid eggs from parents, is if they are in a community tank with other fish.
If it is just the pair with eggs, they tend and protect the eggs, fanning them to keep debris from settling, and the fanning aerates the eggs. The parents also pick out any infertile ones (there are always a few). This keeps fungus from on the infertile eggs from spreading to fertile eggs.
I also let fry stay with the parents until at least 1", although if the male becomes aggressive I will remove him.
below female Chuco intermedia fanning eggs
below female Nandopsis haitiensus with fry
If (because the spawn is in a community) I remove the surface the eggs are on to a separate tank, put an air stone near enough to aerate the eggs, but not dislodge them, and pick out any fungasing eggs with a pipette
I leave the air stone even after the hatch, at least until the fry becomes free swimmers and start feeding..
If it is just the pair with eggs, they tend and protect the eggs, fanning them to keep debris from settling, and the fanning aerates the eggs. The parents also pick out any infertile ones (there are always a few). This keeps fungus from on the infertile eggs from spreading to fertile eggs.
I also let fry stay with the parents until at least 1", although if the male becomes aggressive I will remove him.
below female Chuco intermedia fanning eggs
below female Nandopsis haitiensus with fry
If (because the spawn is in a community) I remove the surface the eggs are on to a separate tank, put an air stone near enough to aerate the eggs, but not dislodge them, and pick out any fungasing eggs with a pipette
I leave the air stone even after the hatch, at least until the fry becomes free swimmers and start feeding..
