Breeding African Cichlids

Question
QUESTION: I currently have a 55 gal African Cichlid tank.  We had some breeding going on in the tank and have had both a Peacock and a Red Empress brooding.  At this time the Kenyi became even more aggresive and seemed to be attacking most of the fish.  We removed the Kenyi to a separate tank.  We now have a Red Empress brooding again.  We haven't had luck with the fry surviving when left in the 55 gal tank as the other cichlids seem to eat the fry.  So we are wondering if we move the Red Empress to the 10 gal tank and use a separator between she and the Kenyi will she feel safe enough to release her fry?  Is it best to separate the pregnant fish by herself until the fry are released?  Or will she be ok sharing the tank with Kenyi in half the tank?  I plan to move the Red Empress back to the 55 gal tank as soon as she releases the fry.  Worry about the baby fish slipping through the tank divider and Kenyi having a snack!  Any suggestions? Is it safe to assume that the Kenyi will go back to his aggressive habits if we put him back in the 55 gal.  He's been separated for about 2 wks.  THanks for your help.

ANSWER: Hi Theresa,

I have to recommend against placing a mother who is holding young close to any other fish who is holding her young.  That's like aiming an elephant protecting her young at a buffalo who has her calf next to her.  I think it's a recipe for fry soup.  The mother will swallow them to save them and she is likely to begin eating the fry.

I do not recommend this.

It is best to separate the fish when she has already picked up the fry and put them into her mouth.  Her cheeks will look full.  The eggs will be missing.  That's when you move her.  That's when I moved mine.

Your Kenyi will continue the aggression.  Timeouts have no effect on fish.  They are territorial by nature.  Perhaps it's time to get him a new home. :)

I hope this helps.

Renee

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

QUESTION: I may not have made it clear that the Red Empress is the only one holding fry.  No other fish are brooding at this time.  THe aggressive male Kenyi is the only one currently separted in a 10 gal due to his aggressive behavior toward all the other fish.  My question is can I put the brooding Red Empress in the 10 gal with the male Kenyi with a divider between?  Or does she have to be alone during this process in order to release the fry?  Thanks

Answer
Hi Theresa,

Sorry about that!  Only human.  By the time I get to the 10th question or so, I get a little bobble-eyed, lol.  

Well, my advice is still the same...I would not let the fish holding fry near any other fish.  Especially a fish she knows as an aggressive fish.  Pane of glass, separator, or not, it will frighten her, possibly causing demise of the fry.

It's best to put them in a very safe, quiet atmosphere.

Renee