Jewel cichlid hiding possibly holding??

Question

Ok, my jewel cichlid is hiding in the cave and won't come out even to eat. Does this mean she is holding?? If so, how soon can I expect to see babies? Any info on cichlid baby care would be helpful too. I have had live bearers and this is my first time with egg layers. I had not expected this so soon, the cichlid is still a juvenile I thought. She is only 4 inches right now, maybe 3 inches. Fish are difficult to measure, and you kinda gotta eyeball it. LOLS.

Thanks for any info. ; p

Answer 1

Jewel cichlids are egg layers and have to have the male in the tank at the time of breeding. It sounds like he or she is just making a place to hide. They will take mouth full of gravel from a spot (under something or in something) and move it out of that spot and claim that as there territory.