Jewel fish, ready to spawn?

[YorkshireMrsP]

Hi, I set up my account yesterday and already know so much about my new various cichlids, so thank you! My question for today is that I have 2 jewel fish that have been inseparable for the time we have had them, I've noticed some form of dancing, and one occasionally do a little shuffle dance. Rather amusing! They both seem rather fond of one particular spot in the tank also. In the pictures below I just wanted some advice, is the smaller one ready to spawn and is the other one a male? It has a blue shimmer in its fins that isn't that easy to photograph on my rubbish phone! I've looked through pictures of other fish but I'm clueless. Thanks in advance. Ems, the new cichlid tank owner .

 

[tlindsey]

Yes it sounds like they are a pair and maybe preparing to spawn. The one on the right 1st pic looks like the female.

 

[YorkshireMrsP]

Thank you. I thought that it maybe the case. Thought they both looked female ha. But we only got them last week, so didn't know much about them. Not bad to say we've only had them a short period. Must be doing something right!! Thanks again! Em.

 

[YorkshireMrsP]

She started laying eggs but the other fish knew instantly, ate them up. Would it be too late to transfer the pair? To a separate tank, Or shall I just wait until next time and transfer when I first notice the mating ritual? Feel right bad

 

[tlindsey]

She started laying eggs but the other fish knew instantly, ate them up. Would it be too late to transfer the pair? To a separate tank, Or shall I just wait until next time and transfer when I first notice the mating ritual? Feel right bad

Tbh if you could transfer them to an aquarium of their own that would be great. They will become highly aggressive towards the other Cichlids.

 

[cockroach]

Nice female