My cichlids are spitting sand out of a barrel.....?

Question

This seems like a really stupid quetin, but...

My wonderful little cichlids are invading a barrel decoration I put in their tank. I find this strange since this is the only "hiding place" that actually has bubbles (via an air stone) coming up through it. There are several holes in this barrel and they are picking up sand and stones inside the barrel and spitting them out through the holes. Are they trying to mate and won't the bubbles bother the eggs?

Answer 1

They are making their own little home, cichlids sometimes are what we call "Earth-eaters" or "Eath-movers". Some of them like to make their own space to live and that is their way of renovating heh heh... It's normal nesting behaviour, they may breed, they may not...

PS - not all cichlids do this for breeding...

Answer 2

if the male cichlid is happy he will produce a bubble nest if the male and female are trying to mate the male will chase the female around continuously until he has done his job but if the male is not ready to mate he will kill the female beta if he don't want her in the tank  no the bubbles will not inter-fer with the eggs the male lays the nest then the female lays the eggs then the male takes care of them if they drop from the nest the male picks them up in his mouth and puts them back into the nest hope this helps you out and good luck  

Answer 3

It sounds like they are clearing a place for egg-laying.  The bubbles shouldn't be a problem, as long as they're creating a gentle stream.

Answer 4

Yes they are trying to clear out the barrel for a nest.   They likely chose this location because it has good water circulation.  As long as the eggs aren't right over the part that bubbles they should be fine.  

Answer 5

Holy Cow, did Chris W READ your input???  There is no BETTA in this, WOW.  I guess sometimes someone could breed Africans to the point their brain burns out lol.  Fortunately, I'm not at that point.

Well, it's not a stupid question, but I have some questions back.  MOST Africans, and note, you didn't say what you have, but in terms of Africans, most are mouth brooders.  There are a large number of South Americans which are egg layers, so what's really going on, is hard to say.

They could be clearing an area for spawning, or they may just be seeking cover from their tank mates.  Without knowing what your tank size and all occupants are, it's kind of iffy to say.  Also it's important as a cichlid keeper to know what species of fish you have in your tanks.  If you really can't tell what you have, try posting some pictures, and take some tests on your water.  I'm a stickler for keeping cichlids, African, Central American, or South American in proper water parameters.  I breed Africans myself btw.