hi, i have 2 golden severums in a community fish tank, and i have noticed that on the vertical rock at the back of my tank there are a lot of red and white eggs. the severum that i thought was a female has gone dark orange and seems very protective over them. my other severum who i always thought was male, has been up to now, chilling behind a rock and hasn't changed colour. they are both now hovering around the eggs, as protective parents do. i think they were laid within the last 2 days, but cannot find on any websites how long before they hatch ... i did not buy these two to breed, it just sort of happened ... i know there is a chance none will survive, but i find it very fascinating. if anyone can tell me what to expect and how long before they hatch, i would be grateful. im aware they are mouth brooders, so wont be alarmed if they take the fry into their mouths. also, is it both parents who do this, or just the mother? any advice or information will be appreciated, thanks,
Steph
Many popular and well known cichlids are mouthbrooders, but severums are substrate breeders, never incubating eggs in their mouth. They may herd the fry around and blow or pick up some of them in an effort to keep them in a given spot , but that is it. No mouthbrooding.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com The eggs hatch after 72 hours at 80 degrees. Cooler temps will prolong the hatching. They are very susceptible to bacteria and fungus, so medications may be needed.
