Jewel cichlid breeding behaviour??

[Zandercatz]

hi all first I'de like to apologise in case this is in the wrong area of the forum. I have just bought two jewel cichlidsand have noticed that the always appeared to be swimming side-by-side they very rarely leave each other and I have noticed sort of rubbing themselves against each other. I was wondering if this is courting behaviour or something entirely different as I have never bred these fish before. If anyone can help I would be extremely grateful.

Many thanks Alexander

yes

ps I shall attempt to take some video footage and post a link here if no one can help

[Dave66]

Sounds like they are testing each other for suitability. Pairs rarely get along, though, even if it's two males or two females. One will determine the other is unsuitable and kill it.

If you've an aquarium of sufficient size and maturity, it'd be best if you bought eight jewel cichlids, so you'd have an excellent chance of a suitable pair.

Dave

[Zandercatz]

Sounds like they are testing each other for suitability. Pairs rarely get along, though, even if it's two males or two females. One will determine the other is unsuitable and kill it.

If you've an aquarium of sufficient size and maturity, it'd be best if you bought eight jewel cichlids, so you'd have an excellent chance of a suitable pair.

Dave

many thanks for that Dave. I will keep that in mind I'm running a 400 L tank with very little in it. Do you think I'll get 8 jewels in there?and what else is suitable tank mates?

Alexander

[-Alex-]

Hi alex,

I kept 5 Jewels in a 800L and it was a complete disaster... There was only enough room for 1 pair and 1 other male... the other 2 were constantly bullied.

Best to stick with one pair in a 400L with other study community fish.

Id like to show you a video of my 2 old jewels with their fry.... Now imagine them in your tank with 6 other jewels and other fish...

Im pretty sure Dave means get 8 and wait till 2 pair up and rehome the rest.

[Zandercatz]

Hi alex,

I kept 5 Jewels in a 800L and it was a complete disaster... There was only enough room for 1 pair and 1 other male... the other 2 were constantly bullied.

Best to stick with one pair in a 400L with other study community fish.

Id like to show you a video of my 2 old jewels with their fry.... Now imagine them in your tank with 6 other jewels and other fish...

Im pretty sure Dave means get 8 and wait till 2 pair up and rehome the rest.

wow that's pretty crazy stuff. Doesn't look like anything is going to get near the young anyway. Thanks for your post and all your advice.
Alexander

[Zandercatz]

looks like you people were right bout my jewels... what do i do from here on??



alexander

[Old Marine]

Great Video! Thank You for sharing.

[Aeonflame]

You should be aware that a breeding pair of jewels can and have killed all their tankmates depending on the tank size.