Convict cichlid not growing

[FreakiestCatch]

I have 2 convict, in a 100l and 1 in a 240l tank. The one in the 100l is a pink convict. She is constantly laying eggs but I don't have a male in to fertilize them. She is about 7cm and not growing. And the other 1 is black convict female I have had nearly a year now and neither apear to be growing. The pink 1 is about 7cm and the black is about 5cm also not growing any more. I would like to know if that is normal in convicts that they stay smaller than they can grow or will they grow also can they be a smaller breed like a dwarf cichlid or would that not be possible.

Thank you

 

[tlindsey]

I have 2 convict, in a 100l and 1 in a 240l tank. The one in the 100l is a pink convict. She is constantly laying eggs but I don't have a male in to fertilize them. She is about 7cm and not growing. And the other 1 is black convict female I have had nearly a year now and neither apear to be growing. The pink 1 is about 7cm and the black is about 5cm also not growing any more. I would like to know if that is normal in convicts that they stay smaller than they can grow or will they grow also can they be a smaller breed like a dwarf cichlid or would that not be possible.

Thank you

Welcome aboard

There are a few variables that contribute to growth like 3 important ones instantly come to mind like the correct % of water changed weekly to keep nitrate level low as possible. Aquarium size the bigger the better . The best brand of food preferably pellets for Cichlids.

 

[Gourami Swami]

Good advice from tlindsey above, keeping nitrates below 20ppm is crucial to growth.
Also, egg production in female cichlids takes up a ton of energy and is known to stunt growth. My guess is that they are producing eggs which is taking all their energy. No real way to stop them, it is a sign that they are comfortable and actually a good thing. Also, I have never seen a female convict larger than about 4", so yours aren't all that small. I'd say 3" is pretty common adult size for females.

 

[FreakiestCatch]

Thanks this helps a lot, I do weekly water changes and only use Hikari food and twice a week give them frozen and freeze dried foods and once a week some veggies. Also keep my water in pristine condition. I did separate them last night as the smaller female is bullied by the pink one. Hopefully they will do better now will go and find some males for them and just keep the small one under observations. Thank a lot for the help and clearing a few things up. Also any tips on breeding Ramirazi also dwarf cichlids?

 

[Audaxcity]

No experience with rams. All I know is they need high temperatures about 27C ish.

If by dwarf cichlids you mean Apistogramma, most are cave spawning harem breeders with the exception of a few such as A. macmasteri which makes pairs. Keeping aggression down with hiding spots and a good sized group is the most important thing, my macmasteri killed each other. Slow growers. Mine also wouldn't eat pellet, though I've heard others would

 

[CichlidBeautyAlways]

@ FreakiestCatch

I have this same issue. I have 1 female convict bout 2.5 inches and a male bout 3-3.5 inches and another mae about 2.5-3 inches and another that is litterally maybe an ich lol and the small one is the same age as my 2 other males. S/he just doesnt seem to grow like the rest of them. We keep or water clean and clean it weekly but yea shes the only one that stopped growing. But s/he swims eats plays-just does NOT grow lol

 

[tlindsey]

@ FreakiestCatch

I have this same issue. I have 1 female convict bout 2.5 inches and a male bout 3-3.5 inches and another mae about 2.5-3 inches and another that is litterally maybe an ich lol and the small one is the same age as my 2 other males. S/he just doesnt seem to grow like the rest of them. We keep or water clean and clean it weekly but yea shes the only one that stopped growing. But s/he swims eats plays-just does NOT grow lol

Genetics will also contribute to species like Convicts because they breed so easily.