and escape routes for the female if needed . If all else fails , the male can be removed for the safety of the female and brood . Fry can be kept with the parents , then after around two weeks a portion of the fry can be removed for separate raising . Keep some fry with the pair as this ensures the strength of the bond . Completely removing the fry , could cause confusion between the pair , then the male attacking and possibly killing the female ! Hybridisation was unfortunately observed within my aquarium . This particular incident happened with a female exCichlasoma salvini . Although the majority of eggs deposited were fertile , the most responsible action i took was to destroy the eggs and then remove the salvini from the aquarium . Amazingly the next day the Male deppii had bonded with the female deppii and shortly after , their first batch of eggs were deposited . Although the female deppii was present in the same tank , I find it strange yet interesting why the male deppii chose to spawn with the salvini . I can conclude nothing from it , except that cichlids show diverse , strange and fascinating behaviour .
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