Convicts

[MikeyBizzle]

I just bought some convicts...

I have a couple of questions as I am new with Cichlids...

1. How do I tell male from female....

2. Is it normal for them to stay on the bottom and not really swim
around the tank much.

3. Suggestions on tank mates etc...

and I will post some pics if you would like to see them...

 

[AcsFoolMike]

Female Cons have much more orange and red on their bellies, while males usually have none at all. Generally they do swim around the middle to bottom of the tank like most Centrals. As far as them not swimming around much, they're probably still adjusting to their new environment; Just give it a few days. Tank mates will be dependent on their temperament, as well as tank size and filtration. If you end up with a breeding pair (very likely if you have even one male and one female) in a small tank, the likelihood of any tankmates surviving is slim to none.

 

[still]

+1

 

[C L O W N K N I F E]

1. Males have longer anal and dorsal fins, they also tend to be bigger than the females

2. No...yours might just be getting use to the tank. Give it some time

3. If you don't have a male and female breeding pair of convicts, heres some tankmates that you could consider. It also depends on how big your aquarium is. Jack Dempseys, Green Terrors, Severums, Parrots, & Firemouths are just a few that may be good tankmates. The reason why I say may is because every fish is different, and what works for one person, may not work for others.

 

[MikeyBizzle]

+1

whats that mean and

Thanks Peter...

They are in a 29g right now with some algae eaters, mollys and tetras, and one catfish but they are going to get their own tank soon not sure what size though though

 

[C L O W N K N I F E]

whats that mean and

Thanks Peter...

They are in a 29g right now with some algae eaters, mollys and tetras, and one catfish but they are going to get their own tank soon not sure what size though though

That means he agrees with the above post

 

[MikeyBizzle]

thanks lol

 

[C L O W N K N I F E]

Yup, and with a 29g I wouldn't think about getting anymore tankmates until you upgrade

 

[MikeyBizzle]

what say you to a 40 breeder... I wanted to use my 40 breeder for more piranhas but I am starting to get interested in these cichlids

 

[AcsFoolMike]

In a 29g, I'd just stick to a breeding pair of Cons. Wait for a male and a female to pair up (probably happened since you first started this thread) and remove all of the other fish.