Blind Cave Fish - Baby Eaters ?

[Darkfung]

Hi,
I've 4 blind cave fish in my community tank along with several livebearers - recently a heavily pregnant molly was seen hovering under the filter out of the way of the other fish - I assumed she was giving birth so turned the light out and left her in peace ..... my flatmate happened to look in the tank and commented that a blind cave fish seemed to be hovering under her for ages and often bumping into her ..... and I've so far had no fry survive in a well planted community tank with 6 female livebearers .......
so the question is - could the blind caves be sensing the births and eating the fry as they fall ???

 

[loachman]

Hi,
I've 4 blind cave fish in my community tank along with several livebearers - recently a heavily pregnant molly was seen hovering under the filter out of the way of the other fish - I assumed she was giving birth so turned the light out and left her in peace ..... my flatmate happened to look in the tank and commented that a blind cave fish seemed to be hovering under her for ages and often bumping into her ..... and I've so far had no fry survive in a well planted community tank with 6 female livebearers .......
so the question is - could the blind caves be sensing the births and eating the fry as they fall ???

Just about any fish large enough for fit fry in their mouths will eat them. Livebearers can/will also cannibalize young, although most aren't too aggressive about it.

 

[K-Holed]

It's almost certain that they are being eaten. I've actually witnessed a guppy give birth and just as the fry exited, she swung round and gobbled it up ... most disturbing. In your case I'd point the finger at the blind cave fish, it's always worth keeping an eye one them. Most people seem to be of the opionion that they're relatively peaceful things, others report them as being rather more nasty as times.

Kind regards

Jimi