Holding Female

[blue2fyre]

I recently got a female Metriaclima Greshakei, when I got her home I realized she was holding. So I added her to my tank and she went into hiding and she's being a great mom (I can't believe that after being chased around at the lfs then added to a tank she still has the eggs). It's been a week since I added her and I'm starting to get a little concerned. She is thin and I'm worried about what another 2 weeks without food will do to her. She's been such a good mom that I'm worried she won't stop holding and starve Is this even possible? I know it's probably a stupid question but I've never had a female hold this long.

 

[kay-bee]

They're well-adapted to going without food during the mouthbrooding period. 18-21 days is the typical duration, but some will exceed even that. I had a yellow lab mouthbrood for 35 days (and wasn't fed the entire time).

 

[RiftLakeRosco]

she will eat when she needs to. if u r over concerned, go in and take the fry.

 

[blue2fyre]

I think it would stress her if I tried to catch her. I was just worried because she's already thin and has while to still hold.

 

[mostlycichlids]

She will be fine and eating as soon as she spits the fry. She likely won't starve her self to death.

 

[GPRC]

I think it would stress her if I tried to catch her. I was just worried because she's already thin and has while to still hold.

It might stress her a little but I doubt enough to spit the eggs. I have moved several holding females and had no problems.

I also noticed my O. lithobates eating while holding, but only in the first week or so. They are well adapted to not eating, don't worry.

 

[blue2fyre]

Now my other female is holding!

But I don't think she will be for long. She's just laying eggs and picking them up. If the male approaches she violently chases him away. Hopefully when he's bigger she'll be more responsive.