Kribensis Fry future care

[Gaz111]

Kribs fry are about 6 weeks old now been doing a lot of research but found a lot of conflicting info. Some says she protects the fry from the male others they share responsibility. Some say you need to remove them as he will start attacking her to get her to breed again some not. My experience so far is both cared for them and now let swim freely but still keeps an eye on them.

However they’ve began making cave preparations so I’m guessing they will lay again a lfs is more than happy to take them when ready I’ve got another tank they can go into or stay where they are

 

[GaryE]

It will turn, and turn fast. At 6-7 weeks, both parents can kill the fry if they aren't removed to grow out. They become a threat to the next brood. I have waited too long, and come home from work to see 30 or 40 fry gone without a trace.

In large tanks, I have had small numbers of fry grow out. We're talking 4 foot jungles. In the wild, they tolerate juveniles of their own and other Cichlid species in their territories, but not close to their nests. Looking at it from the parents' point of view - juveniles will eat the next brood if they have a chance. It's really common with fish that are wonderful parents as adults to be absolute voracious beasts as preteens.

I agree with your observation of care. I think you may find it's the female who decides when the fry have crossed over into being threats. The Genus, Pelvicachromis, has females that run the show. She'll decide when the next brood is coming, and her decisiveness can be scary.

 

[Ichthys]

They don’t always turn on their young when they breed again. I’ve occasionally had a pair even in a small tank raising two successive broods together. But if you want to be certain of their survival, remove them.

 

[Gaz111]

Well was hoping not to remove them as it’s becoming a jungle but best roll the sleeves up tonight! Wife’s going in Friday to have a baby!

Just out of interest is male a common Krib the markings seem different to me?

 

[Ichthys]

Yes, common krib, P. pulcher.

In a ‘jungle’, if the fry are out of sight doing their own thing, there’s less chance of them being seen as a threat.

 

[GaryE]

He's a handsome pulcher.
I had the smaller P kribensis raise two batches at once, but that never happened here with pulcher in many broods. Good info - thanks.

 

[Ichthys]

He's a handsome pulcher.
I had the smaller P kribensis raise two batches at once, but that never happened here with pulcher in many broods. Good info - thanks.

I’ve had kribensis Moliwe do it also.

I think I was just very lucky with the pulcher. The first batches were already at the age when they were not being guarded anymore. Maybe it’s when they’re still crowding round the mother that the problem arises?