Need some convict schooling...

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
D

docturtle91b

Gambusia
MFK Member
Nov 4, 2011
339
9
18
leland nc swampsylvania
So I'm ready in some aspects...I've got my shank and toilet whiskey but need a few questions answered about convicts. They have some (1-1.5") at the lfs and I'm thinking about getting some to start breeding once the weather breaks. How quick do these guys grow? How soon can you sex them? And at what size do they start to reproduce? The reason I ask is that I have a spare 20 gallon long tank ready for fish. Would a pair be ok in a tank that size for the next month and a half or so (mid to late april)? Thanks as always for your knowledge my fishy friends. :)
 
A pair should be alright in that tank for a few months. As far as sexing them goes, you should be able to see orange on the females at about 2 inches, but may be able to see some already. As long as the fish has a couple orange scales on the stomach, then it is a guaranteed female. They should be ready to breed at that size also.
 
Cool thanks for the info. And howdy neighbor. :)
 
To answer your questions. Convicts growth depends on what diet you give them, water conditions, tank size and etc. In my opinion they grow pretty quick and a pair should be ok in a 20 gallon tank for that length of time. Cons are pretty easy to sex since females are the ones who develop orange coloration on their bellies. I had cons breed at some small sizes like 2.5 to 3 inches but this is only my experience.

You do know they are like rabbits and you will have a lot of babies once they start breeding. Just keep this in mind.

I hope this helps and good luck.
 
Yep. I'm hoping to keep a few as pets, pass some babies out to friends, and the rest will go to supplement the diets of all the other fish. :)
 
Cons will breed pretty early. I have had pairs lay eggs in a 10 gallon quarantine tank when they were both smaller than 2". I think the more they breed, the slower they grow. More energy goes into breeding and not growing.

As for the tank size, as long as you get a compatible pair, you could keep them in a 20 long for a while. I keep my pairs in 29's with the same footprint and they are doing well. You just need to keep an eye out when the male wants to breed and the female doesn't.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom