Tilapia behavior nesting, maybe?

[johnnymax]

My tilapia have started acting different. They are 4 1/2 months old now. Two of the larger fish started digging out nests (I guess). They suck up rocks and spit them out and have made a hollow in the substrate. Also, when they get close to each other they flair out their gills and circle each other. I assume they are males.

Are they males?
What should I expect?
Are they acting like this because I have a female carrying eggs?

Advice and explanation of what to expect welcomed.

 

[tlindsey]

My tilapia have started acting different. They are 4 1/2 months old now. Two of the larger fish started digging out nests (I guess). They suck up rocks and spit them out and have made a hollow in the substrate. Also, when they get close to each other they flair out their gills and circle each other. I assume they are males.

Are they males?
What should I expect?
Are they acting like this because I have a female carrying eggs?

Advice and explanation of what to expect welcomed.

Male Cichlids will definitely compete for female's and territory. Sounds like spawning behavior to me.

 

[johnnymax]

Male Cichlids will definitely compete for female's and territory. Sounds like spawning behavior to me.

It sure is entertaining to watch.
Also, their colors have changed.
They are much darker that the others.
They look awesome!

 

[duanes]

I agree sounds like spawning behavior, my mouth breeding Tilapines would typically dig a saucer shaped depression in the substrate, and attract females to it to spawn in it.
Even if you don't see them spawn, you will probably notice the extended throats of the females carrying eggs.
Below a female Alcolapia holding.

below Saratherodon linnellii holding

The males will often continue to badger females, enough to lose the spawn, , so if possible I try to separate holding females to a separate tank to raise eggs and young unmolested.
Depending on experience, some may spit, but pick up the eggs, some just spit and just leave the eggs to die.
If they spit into a net, I will sometimes put the eggs in a tumbler hanging on the side of the tank.

There are commercial tumblers available like the one above, or you can make a DIY one with a specimen box, some filter sponges and an airstone. The eggs need to move with the current to keep funngus from setting in, but not so much the get bruised or broken.
I usually keep fry in a breeder box a little into the free swimming stage, then transfer to a grow out tank


A young Tilapine below, Stomatepia pindu in a 20 gal grow out tank.

 

[johnnymax]

There are commercial tumblers available like the one above, or you can make a DIY one with a specimen box, some filter sponges and an airstone. The eggs need to move with the current to keep funngus from setting in, but not so much the get bruised or broken.
I usually keep fry in a breeder box a little into the free swimming stage, then transfer to a grow out tank

Thanks!
I guess I have a little more gearing up to do.