New pair of jewel cichlids

[gmann4231]

Hi-
Just got back from my LFS and they had a pair of breeding jewel cichlids for 11.99. I traded my breeding pair of yellow labs for them. Anything I should know about these guys? any info is appreciated. I will post pictures when they aren't so stressed and their colors show.

 

[woofy]

Very bad temperment while breeding. hope u are keeping them alone or with fish that can take the harrasment. they will brred readily and constantly. females might actually grow bigger than males. my female is almost 4" and the male is 2-3" they were bought at the same size also the male has pointy fins and a slight nuchal hump. to induce breeding raise temps to about 78-80 then do cold water changes at times u normally wouldnt. so if u do wc once a week throw a few random ones in there. about 25-30%. they will readidly accept most food. frozen is great for spawning as well. Tank size around 20-30g for a breeding pair housed alone with tank mates u want a larger tank and dithers to disperse aggression. Hope this helps.

 

[gmann4231]

A cold water change? Like lower the temperature 1-2 degrees? or more?

 

[soccernut5824]

put some tougher fish in with the pair or the male will snap and kill the female. or put the tank they are in right next to another one and over stock the other tank, the male jewel will see the other fish and they will act as target fish he will "attack" the glass trying to get the other fish but its better than the female.