African Cichlads

Question
QUESTION: I have a 90 gal. tank with several cichlads in it and last night I found a baby cichlad.  What I want to know is  how to tell when others are hatching or when a cichlad is getting ready to hatch so I can possibly protect them and raise them to further my collection and will different colored cichlads mate or what

ANSWER: Hi Rick
I would suggest leaving the eggs and fry alone.  Most African cichlids are excellent parents, and a lot of them are what's called mouth brooders-meaning they keep the fry in their mouth to protect them.  As far as different colors mating, if they're the same kind then they should.

Hope that helps and let me know if you have more questions.

Christy

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

QUESTION: Thank you for your info.  I also would like to know when to take them out of the large tank to protect then or should I just add more small plants?

Answer
You're welcome :)

I'm guessing you mean you've moved some fry to a separate tank?  I would wait until they're big enough not to be eaten.  Like I said, the parents will usually protect them, but if they've been removed and then replaced, I'm not sure if they'll still protect them-if that makes any sense.  Adding plants to the tank would be a good idea as well.  

What kind of fish are in the tank?  And do you know what kind of African cichlids you have?

Christy