fry eaters and survival

[kichibo]

With 2 pairs of blue rams and a 1m/3f herem of A. Hongloi in a heavily planted 90 gallon, what is the likelyhood of fry survival in a tank with about 30cardinal tetra? I know tetra can be fry killers, but cardinals are so small and shy. I don't want to breed large numbers of fry, but I know dwarf cichlids aren't long lived and I don't want to keep buying them, I'd rather have my own stock, just not too many that I need too many separate tanks. Are many fry likely to survive in a tank with those tankmates, or will I be forced to remove them to save any?

[Mike Wise]

Cardinals/Red Neons are expert fry predators. 1 or 2 will move toward the fry. The parent will move toward them, to drive them away. Then the rest of the school of tetras dives in and dines on as many fry as possible before the parent returns. I doubt that any fry will survive in a tank with 30 of these tetras - and do not be shocked if some of the tetras are killed by the parent.

[kichibo]

Is it possible and safe to remove fry after spawing when I want to save some? Or should I just set up a small breeding tank when I need to replenish? How large are typical broods? What to do with them if too many survive would be an issue, there are not many lfs around here that deal in rams and apisto that would take them from me, and I really don't like the way they handle their fish any way. I would feel bad sending babies to them. I have many spare 10 and 15 gallons, just limited space.

[Griz]

While it is unlikey that any will survive, it is possible. I had one cacatuoides fry make it in my community tank recently and he or she is over a half inch now so it looks like it will be OK. It's 33 gal, moderately planted with caves, driftwood and rocks. Tankmates are firehead tetras, neons, and pencil fish. This is one tough female who rules the tank, even the male gives her space. I've also arranged the tank in such a way as to give her as much of an advantage as possible in defending her brood. Her nesting site is under a fair sized piece of dritwood at one end of the tank. Her latest batch has about 25 survivors after becoming free swimming a week or more ago.

Bottom line is, don't expect any to make it but you may get the odd surprise survivor. Don't worry, you won't be overrun with young ones!

[Mike Wise]

kichibo, I feel that your best bet is to breed your dwarf cichlids in a separate tank. I would use the 15 to breed them at separate time. If you have any excess fish, you will find many hobbyists willing to buy/trade with you. They will take fish at a smaller size than will fish stores, too. Typical brood size depends on species & age/size of the female. Rams can have anywhere from 100-500 fry. A. hongloi usually have 50-100 fry.