Started with 4 in a 29g at 81-82 degrees. 2" female, and 3 different males - 1.5", 2", 3". The small male was the winner initially - Though about a week later the large male took over the tank. Over the course of a half hour or so the large male and female knocked the 2 smaller males apart.
They've only spawned once in a pit dug under a small arch, and the 6-7" pleco in the tank never bothered the eggs. (In truth, he actually knocked the convicts around when they tried to bully him - spinning and biting their sides. Was a bit confusing.) 70+ surviving fry.
It seems all the original pair needed to provoke the spawn was ample space and competition.
Lost the original female last week - 5" male took out her fins. I had seperated them, just too late.
When yours do spawn, I found my fry tore into wax worms and crushed flake. The wax worms are messy, but they break up nicely and sink. It was amusing to see a 2-3mm wriggler attack and try to swim away with an entire worm. Their parents were picky eaters, but their progeny will eat anything that gets near the water now - so far as having had a couple actually try to jump into the food container during feedings to get to the food before their siblings.
If they're still hesitant, dither fish might help. You could always try adding a few feeder minnows. Worst case they're food, best case they provoke the spawn. Mine seem happier when there's someone to pick on.
They've only spawned once in a pit dug under a small arch, and the 6-7" pleco in the tank never bothered the eggs. (In truth, he actually knocked the convicts around when they tried to bully him - spinning and biting their sides. Was a bit confusing.) 70+ surviving fry.
It seems all the original pair needed to provoke the spawn was ample space and competition.
Lost the original female last week - 5" male took out her fins. I had seperated them, just too late.
When yours do spawn, I found my fry tore into wax worms and crushed flake. The wax worms are messy, but they break up nicely and sink. It was amusing to see a 2-3mm wriggler attack and try to swim away with an entire worm. Their parents were picky eaters, but their progeny will eat anything that gets near the water now - so far as having had a couple actually try to jump into the food container during feedings to get to the food before their siblings.
If they're still hesitant, dither fish might help. You could always try adding a few feeder minnows. Worst case they're food, best case they provoke the spawn. Mine seem happier when there's someone to pick on.
