My green severums have laid eggs!

Question
Hi Susan,

I noticed a few days ago my severums were doing their mating ritual and after a thunderstorm a couple of nights ago the female laid eggs. It seems that as soon as we sold some larger fish from the tank they got straight down to business. Both the male and the female have been fairly good so far. The female watches closely over the eggs whilst the male gives her space but becomes quite aggressive if my hand goes in the tank etc. It looks like well over 100 eggs, with only 7 of them going white so far. I'm just a bit worried because mum and dad haven't moved since the spawn and won't eat, I'm wondering if this could be a problem or this is what is suppose to happen? Also this morning neither of them were watching over the eggs like they usually do, I could even wave my hand in front of their faces without them caring. Have they deserted the young or is this all part of the process? This is the first time the parents have bred before so I know it might not turn out but any information would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks!

Answer
Hi Lana,
How exciting! I really love Severums! They are one of my favorite cichlids.

Since this is the first time your pair has spawned they may not quite have the hang of watching over their nest just yet. In some individual pairs it may take them a few tries before they get it right.

Hard to say really... these fish have a mind of their own! I wouldn't worry too much about them not eating. Its a bit expected for them to give up eating because in their mind leaving the eggs to eat would be too risky.

As for them being lazy about watching the eggs on that one morning. They may have felt relaxed enough to drift off from their duties or been confused if the tank lights were suddenly turned on.

The best thing of course is to simply wait it out and see.

I hope all goes well and best of luck with your Severums! :-)
Susan~