GBRs moving babies around?

**Cascade** · 02-10-2013, 01:55 AM

Hey AC, long time no see.

My new GBRs just had their first batch of fry. It's a HUGE batch, there are at least 200 fry swimming around in there. So cool.

The parents are doing a great job of keeping other fish away from the fry, but at first I thought they were eating the babies themselves. After watching this for a while, it seems like *most* of the "eaten" fry get spit back out. It almost appears as though they're grabbing the outermost fry and spitting them back into the middle of the bunch. I know rams aren't mouthbrooders, but this is too weird. Is that typical for these guys?

**genocidex** · 02-10-2013, 01:57 AM

i dont exactly know but it seems like it would be normal as they are very protective parents just like mbunas...

**Cascade** · 02-10-2013, 02:19 AM

That's true... I tried looking around on the all-knowing internet, but couldn't find anything except advice that they'll probably eat their first few batches. Maybe this pair got it figured out their first time around? Good for them

**homemadepopcorn** · 02-10-2013, 04:01 AM

Completely normal although unusual for first timers. Looks like you got a smart pair, well done!

**Sandz** · 02-12-2013, 09:44 PM

+1 - GBR parents, the good ones at least, want to control the fry so they dont creep out and get eaten.

**Cascade** · 02-17-2013, 11:58 PM

Very cool, and thanks so much for the input. I was in a panic until I realized what was going on. They must have both lost their focus during the night though, as all the babies were gone the next morning. They're on a new pile of eggs now, so hopefully they will figure out that they have to pay attention 24 hrs a day...