Breeding Cyprichromis

[ian8834]

So awhile back I bought a group of around 20 Cyprichromis leptosoma (Utinta?), and I have them in my 125 tank. Right now, I have 2 holding and one looks like she is going to pop at any time. When I bought them, the guy that had them before had the fry in a separate tank. Because of this, I set up a 29 gallon tank, but I'm unsure about filtration. I have some Tetra filter on it, and I covered the intake with a sponge to make sure none get sucked in. Is this ok? Should I have some other form of filtration?

Second of all, should I strip the mother? When I originally got them, there was a female holding. When she was netted, she spit the fry out. Should I try to get them to spit them into the new tank?

Kind of new to these cyps, so any/all help is appreciated!

 

[ian8834]

ttt

 

[jmcmanus5]

Your filtration set up (with the sponge over the intake) is fine. That is how I have kept lots and lots of fry. As far as striping, you will want to do it in her own tank (I've used a clear 14g tub), use a toothpick to pop her mouth open a bit, and voila. But I also wouldn't force the issue. If it has been weeks and weeks, do it, but if she looks healthy otherwise, I would let nature take its course.

 

[CoryWM]

I personally breed cyprichoromis. I would never use anything to pry open the mouth of one. Sure any other mouthbrooder. But the jaw of the cyps work differently. It's almost like the lower jaw extends out. Basically you just push under the chin, and the way the jaw works, it opens the mouth.

I strip the fry when i can see them swimming around in the mouth. Average spawn size is 4. Their mouths are so small, that they become really stretched even from the eggs as they grow.

I've had them spit in the net before also. I've heard from other breeders that you can let them sit in a tub above the tank for like 20 minutes and they'll spit, but I've never had luck with that.