convict cichlid Philippines

Compatibility with Convicts depends on tank size and the sex of your Convicts. Pairs should be kept in their own tank, the very aggressive nature of these fish when spawning means that even the smallest of tankmates will be chased and killed if possible. Even armored catfish, such a plecostomus species', will not be tolerated.

If keeping a single Convict, then tankmates can be considered as tank size permits. Males tend to be more aggressive than females, but even a male Convict can be added to a large tank with other much larger, more aggressive cichlids. They are quite capable of holding their own against Oscars, Jack Dempsey's, Green Terrors and other similar sized cichlids. Females are somewhat less aggressive and can be introduced into tanks with smaller cichlids and some community tanks. Without the spawning-induced protectiveness, Convicts are generally well behaved in mixed tanks.

Breeding

Breeding Convicts is as easy as adding a male, a female and water. Sexing Convicts is still relatively easy, although inbreeding is starting to make that a little more difficult. Females are usually a lot smaller than males, and will show orange/red markings on their bellies. This can range from small spots to an overall blush that can cover the entire belly. Males are generally much larger than females and will show long extensions on their dorsal and anal fins. Males will also sometimes show the orange markings on their belly just like females, but they are usually far smaller and much less prominent that on females. Females will also sometimes show the long fin extensions that males do, but this is fairly uncommon. The best way to find yourself a pair of Convicts is to raise between 6 and 10 fish from juveniles together and let a bond develop. This should happen when the fish reach between 1.5 and 2". The other fish should be returned to the petshop at this point, otherwise carnage will ensue.

Spawning usually takes place in pits dug into the substrate or in a cave if one is provided. Eggs generally number between 100 and 500. After fertilization, the eggs will be guarded by the female while the male patrols and defends the pair's territory. This is not a good time to be putting your hands in the tank for any reason, as Convicts have no problems attempting to remove fingers if you make the mistake of getting too close. Unfortunately, too close often means just looking at the tank. Convicts are one of the few cichlids that don't need more that one or two attempts to get the hang of being parents. Most pairs will get it right on the first spawning and will be excellent parents to all their spawns. Once the eggs have hatched after 2 to 3 days, the parents will transfer them to other small pits dug in the substrate around the tank. Both parents will continue to be extremely protective, defending their offspring against anything else that happens to be in the tank and many things that are just passing by outside the tank. Convict fry tend to be a little adventuresome and will take to wandering around the tank at an early age. The parents will attempt to keep them close by for the first few weeks and don't' be surprised if you see either parent picking up the fry in their mouths and spitting them back into the pit. After 2 to 4 weeks, the parents will probably be ready to spawn again and at this point it can be a good idea to remove the previous spawn if you have them in a small tank. Sometimes the parents will try to remove a previous spawn to make room for the next batch, but this doesn't always happen and the best idea is simply to watch the tank and see what your pair does.