Convict question

[bluestarjazz]

Okay i apologize for my spelling and if these seem like silly questions

Is it nomal for black convictis to have blue on their dosal and ventral fins ?

Also how long do convict eggs take to hatch?
I think I saw a bunch off them on one of the caves yesterday so i need to know how long till i need to find fry food or will mom and dad handle it?

 

[Jason_S]

yes, it is normal to see blue, orange or yellow coloration in the finnage of a normal black convict. This is usually only seen in females but you may come across a particularly colorful male.

I believe the eggs will take 3-5 days to hatch. for the first week or so they'll be wrigglers and won't be able to eat really any type of food. the parents will often take whatever food you feed them, crush it up and then spit it out for the fry once they become free swimming.

I used to just take flakes and crush them up between my fingers. that usually took care of the fry.

 

[bluestarjazz]

Thanks that helps

 

[Jack-dempsey]

I just had a batch or fry/feeders! I've been feeding crushed flakes also.. seems to work for now.

 

[Cichlidlove4all]

the flakes thing works, but i usually go for Hikari first bites

 

[Clslogic]

my black convict has some blue on his.

 

[bluestarjazz]

both have blue and the lady has some yellow still little i hope they keep some of their color

What do wigglers look like ? I only ask because the eggs appeared to have fallen off the side of the pot they were stuck to and the parents are still looking after them.

 

[TwistedPenguin]

The wigglers look like tiny moving mesquito larvae. The batch I had several years ago (seperated male from female after that) were fed by the mom real well. She'd suck up the food in her mouth and run back and spit it at the babies. The male Convict finally ate the babies and then beat the fins off her . I've got 6 Cons now and the males do have green and blue on their fins, real pretty. I still keep males away from females, less aggression this way.

 

[bluestarjazz]

I see um now they are moving today they must not had the hang of it yet yesterday. mom and dad still seem civil they willboth be in the cave at the same time looking after the babys . thanks for your help guys i think i've got it now