Electric blue fry and mother

[prandle]

My electric blue just had about 30-forty fry. I had moved her out of my main tank last night and timed it just right cause she spit out the fry this morning. My question is: It has been about 8 hours since the spit out the fry and she still seems to be holding more. Does that happen? Do they spit out all of them at one time? Or do they spit them out in intervals?
Also, I am planning to feed the fry brine shrimp. Just waiting on the first batch to hatch, which should be someting tomorrow. How soon do you need to feed the fry? Should i wait a couple of days or what?
Thanks to anyone for any input on this subject.

[Troy]

prandle : Welcome

Yes it is common for fry to be released from the mothers mouth in spurts; as the fry grow they are too numerous for the females buccal cavity to hold. If there is danger she will take as many as possible back into her mouth for protection. Often the fry venture out and find a rock or other object to hide under and become independent of the mother. It is common for the mother to keep several fry in her mouth for a prolonged period. Because most female cichlids tend not to eat while brooding, hunger and the availability of food for the fry maybe the final inducement to make the female release the last few of her fry. The instinct to protect as many fry for as long as possible often insures the survival of some of the spawn.