Convict Babies

Question
I have a 60 Gal with 1 auratus,  1 jack Dempsey, 1 firemouth, 1 pleco and 2 convicts. My convicts just had babies and are protecting the right side of the tank I don't know how old the fry is just know they are swimming around and don't have visible arms or legs just head and tail. Convicts seem to be great parents/protectors. Wondering what can I do to make sure they have the best chance of survival?

Answer
Hi Dierell,
  The kids are probably just a few days old. The parents as you have noticed will fiercely protect them.  They will do this for several weeks, if not longer.  I typically leave the kids in with the parents for about 3 weeks, then take them out and put them in a separate tank.  If you leave the kids in the main tank, many will get eaten by other fish but a few (the fastest, most clever ones) may survive.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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