Photo #1 - So I Recently Purchased A Pair Of Unidentifiable ...

20 gallons freshwater fish tank (mostly fish and non-living decorations) - So I recently purchased a pair of unidentifiable African cichlids from my local pet smart and they are in a 20g tank, with a functioning heater and filtration system, dechlorinate water and the works. It was to my utter surprise 3 days ago when I discovered that there were a swarm of African baby cichlids, there are roughly 35-40 beautiful little babies swimming around the tank now and I am off to the store to purchase them insofouria / baby fish fry food, about 2 days ago I noticed white patches/ scales missing on what I now believe to be the female in the tank, I am very concerned of her well being and fear the male may be bullying her, and if so, what I can do to resolve the matter. I am also going to create more hiding spots for her in the short term. Right now the male appears to be picking up the young fry in his mouth and then spitting them back out and hoarding them in a conch shell I have in the tank and that's where the fry generally stay and he seems very territorial over the babies which is odd because when I was researching and looking at other forums I saw that it is much more likely and common for the females to be the sole caretakers and the males to disregard them or eat them once the fry reach the free swimming stage, with the excess mouth scooping activity I've come to the conclusion that they are mouth brooders, I am willing to do whatever possible to maintain their wellbeing I am just in need of some expert advise as this is my first pair of cichlids and I want to to things the correct way. Thank you. I will also try to post a picture of the male as I am seeking indemnification if possible. I've searched the web and still can't seem to find the type that they look like. I do not believe this I suck or fungal related but I could be wrong, I just want to receive the best ways to help her. I am currently setting up and cycling a new 10 gallon tank in the potential case that quarantine or separation is necessary. I am also looking on input as to how to relocate either the male or the fry as I am aware I will have to do so soon. I am new to this entire process, and I need all the friendly advice I can get. Thank you once again!

Submitted By: Madeline on 05/21/2016

Photo Caption: So I recently purchased a pair of unidentifiable African cichlids from my local pet smart and they are in a 20g tank, with a functioning heater and filtration system, dechlorinate water and the works. It was to my utter surprise 3 days ago when I discovered that there were a swarm of African baby cichlids, there are roughly 35-40 beautiful little babies swimming around the tank now and I am off to the store to purchase them insofouria / baby fish fry food, about 2 days ago I noticed white patches/ scales missing on what I now believe to be the female in the tank, I am very concerned of her well being and fear the male may be bullying her, and if so, what I can do to resolve the matter. I am also going to create more hiding spots for her in the short term. Right now the male appears to be picking up the young fry in his mouth and then spitting them back out and hoarding them in a conch shell I have in the tank and that's where the fry generally stay and he seems very territorial over the babies which is odd because when I was researching and looking at other forums I saw that it is much more likely and common for the females to be the sole caretakers and the males to disregard them or eat them once the fry reach the free swimming stage, with the excess mouth scooping activity I've come to the conclusion that they are mouth brooders, I am willing to do whatever possible to maintain their wellbeing I am just in need of some expert advise as this is my first pair of cichlids and I want to to things the correct way. Thank you. I will also try to post a picture of the male as I am seeking indemnification if possible. I've searched the web and still can't seem to find the type that they look like. I do not believe this I suck or fungal related but I could be wrong, I just want to receive the best ways to help her. I am currently setting up and cycling a new 10 gallon tank in the potential case that quarantine or separation is necessary. I am also looking on input as to how to relocate either the male or the fry as I am aware I will have to do so soon. I am new to this entire process, and I need all the friendly advice I can get. Thank you once again!

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