cichlid fry, parent ill

Question
I have just spotted some cichlid fry in my tank of two cichilds, plec and two angelfish. I think they are Peacock cichild as the have very pronounced tail fins.

I only have about 4-5 fry in the tank and lots of cover (plants, rocks caves and wood. should I remove fry? If so for how long?

The smaller of the two fish (not sure male of female) (always the less dominant) with yellow and blue strips with blue face has took a bit of a beating from the other cichlid and now sits at the top of the tank behind the filter. Other fish which is the bigger of the two fish (not sure male of female) (always the more dominant) with light grey and dark grey strips with slight blue tinge, seams to leave it alone (if he stays up there). he looks very bruised, with damaged tail and no colour (looks like different fish). It appears not to have any cuts. Should I remove it?

The larger grey/grey cichild patrols the bottom of the tank a does not allow anybody (apart from the Plec) at low level. The fry are scattered and do not swim with parent. I have not seen any attacks on fry yet.

Any advice is appreciated

Answer
Hi Sandy,
 The choice is yours but I would leave the fry in the tank.

Peacock cichlids do not provide any parental care after the fry are out of the female's mouth -- that is why you do see the fry swimming with the parents.

 I would be concerned about the one fish that is beaten up and would remove it to another tank if possible to recover.



-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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