Breeding behavior or ill?

[FishFrenzy]

Hello to all - I am new to forums , I came across this site by looking for info on this issue. I have kept Africans for several years , and finally got the fever to branch out and started a 90 gallon CA cichlid tank 2 years ago. I have
a 5 1/2 inch EBJD, a 3 inch EBJD, 3 1/2 inch Green Terror (Gold Saum),2 inch red tail catfish(gift),2 inch royal pleco and 2 inch albino bushy nose pleco in this setup. I added 4 juvie EBJD's about 2 months ago which have now grown to 1-1/2" - 2" size .They all have been schooling with the larger dempsey's as if they were fry. About Three days ago the two larger EBJDs began huddling up in the bottom corner of a strawberry flower pot in the tank.The larger EBJD (which I am assuming is the male, due to the length of his dorsal and anal fins and size difference) literally engulfs the smaller one. And they are not huddling up in the pot. It's on the outside where the round from the pot touches the tank floor.They squeeze in that little space for hours .Right next to eachother side by side. If the green terror comes to that side of the tank the Large EBJD comes ripping out chases him and goes right back to that little space. I've tapped the glass to startle them and they both come out but return there almost immediately.The three inch EBJD seems to be laboring to breathe. But I could just be paranoid . If anyone has experience with this issue I'd appreciate any input .I have never bred large fish and don't even know what to look for. Thanks.
Jason

[FishFrenzy]

I just wanted to add that all other fish are swiming normally except the two large EBJD's ,they are literally sitting on the floor side by side in the little corner.

[AlishanAS]

Are they eating normally?

Sounds like breeding behavior. The eggs from EBJD may hatch but the fry will not last long.

[FishFrenzy]

Yes, they are eating normally. I don't see any eggs .What would they look like?

[AlishanAS]

The eggs appeear as small dots and will be concentrated in a small area on a rock, flower pot or glass.
The parents will defend the site.

[thatcichlidguy]

Agreed the eggs, when you get them, may hatch but don't expect the fry to live. EBJDs have a genetic kill switch that prevents them from being bred with other EBJDs. Basicly the gene that activates the EB coloration causes numerous fatal defects in the fry of EBJD + EBJD spawns. Crossing them with other JD strains however doesn't cause this. It just passes along the EB gene. One of the reasons these fish have been so expensive. Also the EB gene itself has been shown to cause some health issues in the "healthy" EBJDs. Very slow growth , shortened life span, physical defects, ect. They are getting better though thanks to some good breeding practices.

Now for the warnings of things to come. CA cichlids are very good parents. Very good. In a 90g this can be a problem since they will become even more territorial once they actually spawn. Which is on a 3-4 week average for most CA species. Basicly once a month they will try to spawn and will turn life on it's head for the other fish in your tank. Especially since your going to be very overstocked before too long. Technically you already are but since the fish are still relatively small you've go some time to re-home some fish or upgrade.