GBRs moving babies around?

[Cascade]

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]

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

[Cascade]

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]

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

[Sandz]

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

[Cascade]

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...

[Sandz]

Just an fyi... if you want to keep the babies, I would keep the lights on full time they are growing. Yes it will play hell on the algae and that but it will allow food (the algae) to grow and the parents wont lose track of the babies that soon.