an obvious question?

[vjayshutterbug1]

So....I found a female and male JD finally. They seemed to hang out together at the LFS. I lucked out. They're about 4 inches or so with the female being maybe 4.5. They are swimming around together. They seem to have really bonded. I am looking forward to watching cichlid behavior and all that.
BUT...it occurred to me. If they have babies. And its a bunch, right? What does everyone do with all the fry? I mean, you have to do something with them. You can't have a hundred fish in a 75 gallon. haha
So, what does everyone do with them?
(pardon the bad photography. Taken without flash....so slow shutter speed required)

[fish-n-chips]

What else do you have in the tank as far as fish/inverts? I kept a 29g for a while with a pair of convicts and let the fry grow out in there til they were about3/4". They did eat their eggs and fry the first couple of times but eventually got it right. I did have to remove mama for a while though cause dad would have killed her if I hadn't. I think she was the one eating her fry. Each species and individual can vary but I would try to let them grow out once or twice, providing you don't have anything that will try to eat them. Parents can be very protective and will take on anything that tries to harm their babies. I've seen a 3" male convict take on jd's twice their size and also a 12" oscar and 6" featherfin cat. It's all up to you though depending on what your plans are for them in the future.

[GEV83]

Some people sell them to the LFS of sell them online if they can. Others use the babies and fry as feeders. It varies. I got a pair of JD's also im hoping to upgrade there tank soon. Currently there in a 20gal but will be getting a 75gal for them soon. First got to get a 75gal for my Oscar who is also in a 20gal.

Nice JD's

[mikeb210]

The responsible thing to do, if you are serious about breeding them is to pick a few fry that are the best specimens and then cull the rest. Sell those few back to your LFS. That prevents polluting the hobby with weak and less than exemplary fish.