one of my haplochromis cichlids is ready to go, but wont release. is there some way I can get her to, without hurting her?
2007-06-12 19:09:54 · 3 answers · asked by seanhasfish 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
The method of fry release you are referring to is called 'stripping'. You hold the fish firmly but gently in your hand and while you dunk the head under water very, very gently pry the lower lip open with your fingernail or a flat toothpick, or something of the sort.
This should be only done as a last resort, if the fish has been holding too long for some reason, or for another reason the fishes health is at risk. It's best and safest to let the fish release naturally. If she's been holding for over 30 days, I'd say it's probably time. I had to do this only once for a Caeruleus that just wouldn't spit and 35 days or so went by, but avoid the process otherwise.
2007-06-13 00:34:05 · answer #1 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Catch the mom in a net.
Hold her gills shut with your fingers while submerging just her face in a container of tank water. She should open her mouth to breathe at which point the fry will swim out.
If she refuses to open up you can gently pry her mouth open with a q-tip or some other soft instrument.
Be careful. IF the fry are still in the larval stage, yolk-sack visible, you will have to tumble them otherwise they may be attacked by fungus.
Also be sure to have your brine shrimp nauplii hatchery going for at least a day so that you can have live food ready to go.
2007-06-12 19:16:55 · answer #2 · answered by Mimik 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You're better off to let nature take it's own course.
2007-06-12 19:15:34 · answer #3 · answered by copperhead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋