Appearences/Diseases

Question
QUESTION: My African Cichlid' seem to be getting yellow spots on there lower back fin. Not sure if this is common or a disease. They are all different kinds but only some have this. Please let me know if this is a disease or color.

Thanks

Dave

ANSWER: Hi Dave,
 That isn't a problem at all. Those spots are called egg spots and they generally (but not always) indicate that the fish is a male.  He uses those spots to attract the female during spawning.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>


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

QUESTION: I have noticed two little fish in my tank, I assume they were born recently(being a new fish owner not sure). they hide in the rocks.  They eat when I feed them because I watch them. They also seem to be safe. is there anything I should do or just leave them alone?

Thanks

David B Hargreaves

Answer
Hi David,
 The choice is yours.  They will be safer if you separate them, but they have done alright so far.  Most small cichlids spend the first part of their lives hiding until they are large enough to avoid being eaten.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>