How to limit Convict Aggression?
- Thread starter Chaseg03
- Start date
This. Also, assuming size is adequate for your stock, next suggestion would be sight breaks
I agree, get some large plants and some rocks stacked to make some caves if you have none. Live plants that grow pretty tall are anacharis and hornwort, mine like to nibble my other plants but not those for whatever reason. Maybe she just needs a place to make a nest and put fry in and feel safer. If she sees other fish come near the spot she will defend it. Cheap dithers might be a good idea too depending on the species/tank size.
Rearrange the rocks once in awhile too.
THIS, and my question is how many fish TOTAL and what species? Also how many caves and hide-places? Without caves and hide-places for claiming a safe-place ie. territory, some cichlids will claim the entire tank.
GamerChick5567
is right on point w/ her comment
90% of all aggression can be managed with proper tank size.
Any Central American cichlid will need at least (at least) 10 gallons per inch.
So to me, a 7.5" convict needs at least 75 gallons.
You may be able to put a pair, or trio in the 75 gal minimum, but a community is pushing your luck.
And to me, to be really realistic, height and width should be taken into account, so a 7 inch long convict, that is 1" in width, and 4" tall really needs minimum 110 gals
Spawning is a different story.
Most Central American cichlids when spawning in nature, will guard an area of about 250 gallons (4'x4'x whatever depth).
Any Central American cichlid will need at least (at least) 10 gallons per inch.
So to me, a 7.5" convict needs at least 75 gallons.
You may be able to put a pair, or trio in the 75 gal minimum, but a community is pushing your luck.
And to me, to be really realistic, height and width should be taken into account, so a 7 inch long convict, that is 1" in width, and 4" tall really needs minimum 110 gals
Spawning is a different story.
Most Central American cichlids when spawning in nature, will guard an area of about 250 gallons (4'x4'x whatever depth).
I always considered convicts like ugly cockroaches of the fish world until I encountered older males kept as the solo convict in bigger tanks. There are a few examples of creatures that don't need that much room for their size as others to grow to their full potential-like lungfish but convicts aren't one of them. Sure they can survive in horrid conditions and cramped tanks give them enough room though and they'll stop looking like trash.
I don't think its overkill, ever since I started snorkeling with cichlids in nature, and saw how extensive their ranges are, I felt most aquarists (including myself) were clueless, and somewhat delusional as to the proper tank size.
And I find that others who have also actually spent time with them in nature are of the same notion.
An article by Willam Heijns in the latest Buntbarsche Bulletin of the American Cichlid Assn, echos much the same sentiment.
And I find that others who have also actually spent time with them in nature are of the same notion.
An article by Willam Heijns in the latest Buntbarsche Bulletin of the American Cichlid Assn, echos much the same sentiment.