Keeping cichlid fry with parent(s)

[nadajdui]

I have a pair of Ptychochromis oligacanthus (Madagascar cichlids) in a seperate 32 gallon tank, away from the others. Would it be all right if I left mom in there with the eggs? She keeps chasing dad away. Or will that just encourage her to eat the eggs? Any input would be apprciated. Thanks!

[biggs]

As long as no one is getting hurt I'd leave them together. I found that the protective behavior you're seeing keeps them focused on looking after the eggs instead of prompting them to eat them.

[mollyb]

I am not sure about these fish in particular, but I have found with angels and discus that separation of the parents to allow raising the fry by one of them can lead to big problems with reaquainting the parents afterwards. The most I would do would be to place an eggcrate separator so the parents can still see each other and not beat each other up.

[nadajdui]

Okay :) Thanks you two.

[ESAVVY1]

My Convict Cichlids act the same way where she chases him away but then sometimes he just floats there next to the cave and she doesn't seem to care. Then when they hatch they take turns watching the fry. They don't seem to bother the fry unless they are deformed or sick. You may even see the parents take the fry in their mouth and chew them but they are just cleaning them. The best way to get the exact info you want is to google their name and you will find all the info you can handle.
If your fry survive and you are interested my Convict cichlids will have fry soon and I would love to trade you if you would like some Convicts. I have a new 75 and wanted to add some new Cichlids to it. it really doesn't matter what kind. I just love Cichlids. They are a great wet pet.
I wish you the best of luck. Take care and Have a great week. See Yaa!!!

Rick