Traditional Wisdom Debunked?

[jamarini]

For most Tang fans, Enantiopus kilesa is a species of great interest.  The male colors are spectacular but they are pricey because they are not all that common and the traditional wisdom is that they are reportedly only able to produce viable fry for about three years.  After that point, they may go "through the motions" but there are no fry to show for it all.  Well, I think I may have anecdotal evidence to refute that traditional wisdom.  I have a female who is well more than four years old, actually closer to five years old, from whom I just stripped ten fully developed fry this evening.  My current brood colony is comprised of six adults, two males and four females.  One trio is from the same parents and nearly five years old.  They had stopped spawning for me almost three years ago and then began again six months ago or so.  In those recent instances, the two females would lay and then hold eggs for up to five days and then either spat the eggs or ate them. 

The other trio is from another source and only about two to two and a half years old.  This trio has been spawning for almost a year now and reliably. 

Based upon this most recent observation of the older female producing viable fry a conclusion one might make is that this older female may have spawned with the younger male.  If that's true then it may be that the reason older adults cease to produce viable fry is that the males become infertile but some females may remain viable for longer. 

If this hypothesis is true then the productive life cycle of E. kilesa brood groups could potentially be extended by replacing older males with younger males. 

What experiences have other breeders of E. kilesa had in this regard?  I'd appreciate knowing whether my observation is unique or others have made similar observations with their brood colonies.  If introducing young males to existing brood colonies periodically can extend the productive viability of older females then maybe more hobbyists will consider raising this stunningly beautiful and peaceful species.

[Ron]

That is a very intriguing observation.

IMO, it's a species that tends to be bred by only the more serious breeders within the hobby since the buy in costs associated with them are traditionally high and they are more on the fragile side (or at least not as robust and forgiving as many other cichlids when it comes to their care). That coupled with the fact that most breeders tend to move in and out groups of fish, rather than mix different groups together while keeping a single spawning colony together would account for why this isn't perhaps widespread knowledge, presuming it's the case. I hope you have good success with the older ones producing again. 

[jamarini]

You make some good points.  But, my experience with them is that the fry are more fragile than other cichlids whereas I've never had any problems once they become adults.  As far as the cost is concerned, they are considerably less expensive than some Cyps, most xenos and Fronts.  IMO the biggest issue is the perception that they are sensitive fish, period, when that is probably only the case with the fry and very young E. kilesas.  And, then there is the conventional wisdom that they are only reproductively active for about three years.  With this latest anecdotal observation, may or may not be the case.  In addition to the gorgeous male coloration, they are pretty peaceful for cichlids, modest in size and relatively compatible with many other species. 

So, now we'll see if this was a fluke or there are more fry from the older females.  Thanks for your comments, Ron.