I know convict aren't the most monster fish out there. But I get such a kick out of watching mine. They are constantly in what I would call a "face off". Backing each other off, charging each other. Just wondering what they would do if trying to mate. Have had them for about 2 - 3 months, no luck in breeding. Probably had something to do with finding out the heater wasn't plugged in. Got it plugged in and turned up to 83, maybe now I will get "lucky"?
Convict behavior
- Thread starter snshn56
- Start date
As long as you have a male and a female you should get some babies soon! I like convicts too, I have my eye on an albino pair !!
snshn56, when your cons are ready to breed the females color(unless albino) will intensify and stay that way.her stripes will become very distinct and she'll get a red patch behind her head on both sides.you may also notice that she will stay in the same part of the tank preparing a nest.mine will usually dissappear under some rocks and i will notice sand flying out from them or see her coming out with a piece of gravel in her mouth.they will also become more aggressive to other fish.once you have fry the female will usually guard them while the male patrols the immediate area chasing away or kicking the ***e$ of nearby fish.there's a fry food you can get for new wrigglers.i can't remember the name but it comes in a little green bag with an angel and fry on it.it's good to begin with then switch to brine shrimp.
Maybe I don't have a male. They are all the time digging gravel, making big holes, and big piles. Chasing everyone else away from their territory, but, alas, no eggs since I have had them.... Thanks for the comments and advice.
One way to tell is that the female will have the red patches on her side.You can usually see it even when she is not in heat.If it has the patches then it is definitely a female.Also my male has a broken stripe behind the head but I'm not sure what that means.
The heater isn't an issue, I have a couple pairs breeding and they are in unheated tanks. The pink and the black cons have the same sexual dimorphism. The males may develop the cichlid head bump, and will have longer fins. The females have shorter fins, and when ready to breed both will gain an orangish red tint along their bellies.
