Thanks for breaking it down with the pics.When they first hatch they are not very big at all.
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Here is mama guarding eggs
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And after hatching. The pile in the back are the fry. Basically they are just bigger grains of sand. They are this way for three days then you get this.
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They will herd them around to eat algae and microorganisms
This is it, right here ^. This is the easiest indicator; depending on the amount of cover in the tank, it is easily possible that they are hidden somewhere out of sight. The behaviour of the parents is a dead giveaway. If they are acting aggressively protective towards you, then just relax and keep your eyes open for that wonderful little cloud of fry in a couple days. It's one of the little joys of fishkeeping.Ok are the pair attacking the glass when you get near the aquarium. If not then they ate the eggs.
This is it, right here ^. This is the easiest indicator; depending on the amount of cover in the tank, it is easily possible that they are hidden somewhere out of sight. The behaviour of the parents is a dead giveaway. If they are acting aggressively protective towards you, then just relax and keep your eyes open for that wonderful little cloud of fry in a couple days. It's one of the little joys of fishkeeping.
Worst case scenario? They ate 'em; very common with young parents on their first spawning. Not the end of the world, they'll lay again soon and practice makes perfect. Take a breath, relax, and let nature take its course.