Convict Violence

[LoneJunglist]

Something is wrong with my black convict cichlids. Im breeding them for the first time so i don't know if this normal or not, but the fry is about 3 weeks old now and just recently the male has been beating up on the female. She doesn't even have to be close to the babies, if he sees her at all he chases her relentlessly. Its very confusing behavior after all the work they have done to be successful parents.
She's hurt pretty bad, Ive moved her to an isolated tank but ill be surprised if she lives.
So I have to wonder... what the hell is going on here?

 

[Anonymous]

Thats normal amongst cichlids...the male will protect the brood in some cases no matter what the cost..I think you did the right thing...once the brood get a little older...try adding the female back to the tank and remover the offspring..

 

[danmhippo]

You can have more than 1 female in the tank. It will pretty much divide the attention of the male to just one single female.

Bigger tank with more hiding spot for females will also help, and you do not necessarily have to remove the female to another tank.