cichlid breeding

Question
QUESTION: hi lynda
i have a communal tank with cichlid,gouramis,and bottom feeders,my electric blues and yellows are breeding like rabbits and after a few eaten babies i try to remove the pregnant female into my "nursery".this seems trial and error.is there a certain time they hold their fry for.
cheers Scott

ANSWER: Hi Scott,
These fish are mouth breeders, and keep their fry in their mouths for 18-24 days....once released, the fry do not return to the mother's mouth like other African cichlids do.  They measure about 1/4 inch...when released.  How big is your nursery tank?  It should be big enough for the electic blues, and yellows to feel comfortable...when transfered. The water quality should be the same as in your community tank.   They say these fish don't eat while the fry are in their mouths, but sometimes they do, so offer food for them.  You may remove the female once she has released the fry after 2 days as she is of no use to her babies.  It is best to have one male to 4 females..just thought I would mention this.  
Hopes this answers your question
Lynda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi lynda
is there any way of sexing cichlids without venting,not sure wether egg spots on the fins is reliable

Answer
Hi Scott,
The males are more colourful than the females, and bigger.  For instance the Electric Blue female has a lighter shade of blue.  The egg spots are reliable has only the males have these spots.  These spots are on the male for a purpose.  The male digs a hole where the eggs are to be laid.  The female takes the eggs into her mouth.  After she has taken in all the eggs, the male spreads his anal fin displaying the egg spots.  The female sees these, and sucks at them thinking they are real eggs.  The male then releases sperm, thus the eggs are fertilized.
Hope this helps
Lynda