how long will eltric blue hold eggs in it's mouth for?

[nickbo]

whats the best way to strip them out?

[nemo1981]

mine will hold for about 3 weeks then the eggs are fully formed into fry.

however if you're going to strip them, let them go at least a week or so before taking the eggs and tumbling them.

well that's from my experience anyway.

i've just been leaving them hold lately.

as for stripping them out, the plastic tube in a cotton tip is good for pulling the bottom lip down.
lay the fish in the palm of your hand and grip it gently, i find putting my thumb over the forehead is good, then gently prise the bottom lip down with her head and gills still under water.
hold her upside down a bit.

hope that helps some.