Why is my Krib doing this

[Gwenkat]

About 2 weeks ago I replaced my male krib that passed away. Diane, my female, is thrilled. She is showing off and her colors are so bright. They have a little breeding cave that she has claimed. Now Jack, the male, will go into her cave and spit the gravel out. There is a huge pile of it outside the cave. I watched him working at this for about 20 minutes. Why? Is this a sign they are getting ready to breed? I hope they do, what can I do to encourage them? They are in a 29 with 2 gold dojos, a bolivian ram, and a bristlenose pleco. Everyone gets along now, but if the kribs breed will they hurt the others? I can rehome everyone if I need to. There is space in my 60 at the moment. Any advice would be welcome. I really want baby kribs.....

 

[Squawkbert]

I think it's time to put the Barry White album on & dim the lights.

 

[jrh]

He's building out the nursery.

 

[Gwenkat]

That's what I had hoped. Will my dojos be ok in there with them when they start breeding? They are ok now.... but I want to be sure.

 

[ScottyNorq]

i was told to take out my other fish out when they show signs of breeding

 

[AngJo72]

Hiya,

Sounds like you will be having baby kribs soon. Kribs like to have the smallest hole possible to go in and out so they can guard the eggs/fry. I have found that my kribs love barnacles for this reason. Diane and Jack (cute) will guard the fry mercilessly against any other fish, which can be bad for the other fish, but actually teach them how to be good parents.

Good luck with the kribs! These are my favorite fishies!!

Ang

 

[Squawkbert]

I would expect Dojos to be able to take care of themselves. If they just can't resist annoying the Kribs, remove them (if the Kribs really start to beat 'em up).

 

[Gwenkat]

Thanks Squawkbert, I will watch them closely. Jack and Diane are the newbies in the tank so I don't want to upset the dojos by moving them if I don't have to. I'll cross my fingers that everyone stays nice through this process. If not, the 60 is ready and able to house the dojos if needed.

 

[Gwenkat]

I am so excited. I was watching my kribs today and there are eggs all over the inside walls of their cave. How long before they hatch? Will both parents be ok in there with them?

 

[Lupin]

I am so excited. I was watching my kribs today and there are eggs all over the inside walls of their cave. How long before they hatch? Will both parents be ok in there with them?

3-4 days usually depending on the tank temperature. The parents will be fine but just keep a watch for any hostile behavior between the kribs and their tankmates.