Zebra Obliquidens & Kenyi Hybrid?

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BigPleco

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Dec 10, 2005
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Markesan, WI
I have a 90 gal with approx 25 Kenyi and 25 Zebra Obliquidens. Noticed that one of my Female Z.O.'s is holding last night....put her in my 15 gal for a couple weeks before stripping her. I would imagine that it could be a hybrid (definitely NOT wanted), but wanted to know what others thought. I know they are from two different lakes in Africa, but they are also cichlids (breed like rabbits!). Any input is greatly appreciated...will be separating tank today with acrylic divider!

Thank you!

Chris
 
I'm not going to proclaim myself as an "expert" in this as there are probably 100's of different possible cross breeds out there that could occur, but my gut feeling here is doubt in this case.

I've seen many times, if there is an absence of a male or female of the same species, this tends to cause hybridization. It's not the only factor, but probably the leading cause. I have discussed this with another keeper close to me in geography, and he also indicated to me, there are times when a male or female doesn't recognize a mate either.

In lake Victoria itself, this seems to be occuring more and more of late also. The murkiness of the waters there are causing an increased amount of hybridization as I understand it, so it's not a tank related phenom either. If you have both males and females of the same species in the same tank, I'd feel odds are good in your favor that the spawn is not a hybrid. You will know for sure in a few months when they grow out.
 
Thank you for the response....I hope this is the case and will let you know in a few months if anything turns out! Keep em coming!

Chris
 
have the kenyis spawned with eachother at all sounds like there is enough of each kind in there for them to stick with their own kind... what have you observed?
have you seen any male kenyi's chasing the ZO females and trying to entice them? I would imagine it is probably the male ZO that did it though!! :)
 
I really doubt there will be any hybridization with that mix.
 
LadyBarbara001;2990613; said:
I really doubt there will be any hybridization with that mix.
Click to expand...

:) I highly agree with that! also they are from different lakes which makes it very improbable especially since you have so many of each kind!!
 
Pretty much the Z.O.'s are chasing eachother and the Kenyi's the same. I checked on mama today and she must have eaten em since she looked well fed and was not holding eggs. So, I threw her back in the 90 gal. I did however see another Z.O. holding yesterday morning....she was stripped this morning with 20 eggs. They were placed in a homemade tumbler made out of a 20 oz bottle and some pantyhose. They seem to be tumbling well, but we will see if anything comes of them. That female was fed well and placed back in the 90. Dont really know if I should separate yet, we will see what the juvies look like if they make it! Will continue to update.

Thank you for all of your responses!

Chris
 
Saw the female drop the eggs and the male fertilizing them last night....they were doing the dance. A lot of the eggs were getting eaten by other females in the tank. Kinda pissed about that, but I currently have 46 eggs tumbling in my home made tumbler and another female holding in a 15 gal with one male and a lot of hiding spots. Didnt think they would breed this quick for me, but I'm glad! Will continue to update this thread!

Chris
 
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