I've got 3 mbuna auratus melanochromis in a 55-gallon. They're the only cichlids in there. Lately the largest one, which we've had since June (got as a baby) has been black/grey a lot. It's about 4.5 inches long. Last week and again this week I've seen it circling its favorite female, head to tail. They do it vigorously until they're exhausted, the darker one was actually leaning against a rock breathing hard the end of the first such session I saw.
So far I've only seen them do this first thing in the morning, just when I turn on the lights.
Is it fighting, or spawning? I got a video but by the time I got my camera out and ready they were mostly done and tired. You can see it here:
http://s1080.photobucket.com/albums/j339/Haecklers/?action=view¤t=PICT0296.mp4
If they are spawning, the female would mouth-brood the young, right? So she would quit eating? Last time she ate heartly afterward. The female is around 3/4 inch smaller than the large/dark one.
So far I've only seen them do this first thing in the morning, just when I turn on the lights.
Is it fighting, or spawning? I got a video but by the time I got my camera out and ready they were mostly done and tired. You can see it here:
http://s1080.photobucket.com/albums/j339/Haecklers/?action=view¤t=PICT0296.mp4
If they are spawning, the female would mouth-brood the young, right? So she would quit eating? Last time she ate heartly afterward. The female is around 3/4 inch smaller than the large/dark one.
