How to stop stunt from early breeding?

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C

cacichlids

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Feb 20, 2011
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My two Blue Acaras started breeding 2 days ago, male is 3.5 inches and female 2.5. I've been reading that breeding this early can put a strain in her growth, and I wanted both of them to reach at least 5 inches... :irked: so what can I do to stop this? She looks way too small for the tank.

I know the most obvious choice is separating them but I feel kinda bad after they've been courting each other for 2 days lol... Can i just remove the rock with the eggs as soon as they're laid? Also, do they need to be separated to different tanks or a divider will be enough?
 
I don't have first hand experience but I have read that some sa/ca cihclid males might turn agressive towards the female if the eggs are removed ( I guess they blame the female for the loss?) so if you do try to have a devider handy.

I would wait for some one with first hand experience chime in
 
I have heard of this happening as well I think its because the energy particularly on the females part goes into making eggs rather than packing on weight. I have just got a young duo of Severums that are looking like a pair and I am also concerned as to what will happen and if there is anything I can do to help them grow through the breeding stage.

Looking forward to a discussion here:)

Wills
 
No, removing the eggs will only get them to breed again or they will fight cause they think the other ate the eggs. The only suggestion would have been to grow them separetly till larger before pairing or you can place s divider to help give them a break from spawning so you can control feedings so they both eat good and possibly put on size faster. But they can also breed thru divider. The stunting comes from prolific breeding and it's the female that usually gets stunted. And really it just slows her growth rate down not usually permanent damage. Because once they spawn she'll focus on tending to the fry and could careless about the food. She'll eat really good as she prepares to spawn again then slow down after. The male will continue as normal regardless
 
Okay, it is true that making eggs will slow the growth rate of both the male and female (moreso the female because her energy expense is relatively more). But it will not hinder her maximum length in any way. That is determined by genetics and optimal husbandry. It'll just take her longer to get to that maximum length. If you remove the eggs, she'll just make more sooner.
 
I should also point out that even if that female were alone, she'd periodically lay eggs. It's not really anything that can be prevented once a female becomes sexually mature.
 
Okay thanks, I'm relieved to know she will still have a chance to keep growing, that was my only concern. She's had her breeding tube out all day and I still don't see any eggs, when do you think she will do it?
 
Would a lower temp inhibit the spawning process?
 
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