I have a pair of jaguar cichlids and the smaller lighter colored jag which is about 4 to 4.5 inches has been filling her mouth full of sand and piling it up in two other places in the tank. The larger darker jag which is about 5 inches stays right with her sometimes circling her and even appears sometimes to be rubbing up against her. The only time he leaves her is to chase away other fish. Is this their breeding behavior and are they big enough to breed at this size?? First time keeping jags and I am just trying to learn these fish. Is there any special care they need at this time if they are breeding??
Jaguar Cichlids
- Thread starter DSPRAD
- Start date
Yes sounds typical of breeding behavior. At 5" they may lay eggs and even hatch fry but its possible they will fail a few batches before you can collect any. Once they get more mature and have bred a few times before they should start producing more, healthier fry.
If you are trying to raise the fry, then you may consider removing tankmates once eggs are laid, and have a plan in place to eventually separate the parents from them.
If you are trying to raise the fry, then you may consider removing tankmates once eggs are laid, and have a plan in place to eventually separate the parents from them.
Sounds like spawning behavior to me.
if the tank is large enough, you may want to divide it with light diffuser, with the pair on one side and other fish on the other to save their lives.
When the pair spawn they may be ferocious defenders of eggs and fry to the point of killing any threats.
if the tank is large enough, you may want to divide it with light diffuser, with the pair on one side and other fish on the other to save their lives.
When the pair spawn they may be ferocious defenders of eggs and fry to the point of killing any threats.
Sounds like spawning for sure. A little small, but from what I've heard of jags they are very prolific. My dovii certainly are! Give them a couple tries. They may not get it right first try.
Females are smaller than the males. One of the most aggressive and territorial cichlid varieties. All the best for their spawning.