Are my Convicts breeding?

[benlink3]

Hello all very helpful ones!
I have a pair of Convict Cichlids.
The past few days I noticed they were, the female mostly, inside of this little castle decoration I had in the tank before they arrived. I don't know if they are breeding or what, but almost the whole day is spent inside this little castle. Mostly looks like the female is on her side in it, and the male comes inside often, but remains outside of it, near the glass of my tank. I just wanna know if there has been a spawning, and if maybe she is protecting the eggs. If anyone has any helpful info...Thank You in advance. Ben

 

[Cichlidian]

Ya things are prominent for breeding i hope so. To confirm look for pits in the gravel. If u can find any such pits ur female would have laid eggs. Also if u hv anyother tank mate in that tank watch out for their agression on them. The male convict would always try to chase intruders and bull them.
If u can see all these then u will have a couple of hundred wrigglers within the next 3 days provided u maintain a temperature around 80°F.

 

[SoulFish]

well if you have a pair of convicts theyre breeding. convicts breed like crazy and you will be flooded in them soon

 

[Cichlid-Man]

I agree ^

Yes sounds like spawning to me! Like it was stated above, watch for pits dug out around the tank, parents staying in 1 general area (protectig eggs/fry), and just keep watching for little wigglers!!

 

[benlink3]

They got little yellowish things that look like little seeds...that the eggs?
Ben
Thank you!

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Yes those are eggs.......and thats a good color for them too.

As long as they don't turn white it is good.

Caution: the parents might eat them if this is their first spawn.....just wait and they will lay more in about 2-3 weeks.

 

[Brockway]

Speaking of convicts breeding, mine had dug a pit, and I just filled it in without thinking... what are the chances I just burried some convict eggs? I have my pair in a 10, and it has an ugf... (I know they suck... its just been there a while...) so the hole seemed to be screwing it up. I also have a power filter on it though...

 

[benlink3]

I have little wiggling eggs in my tank.
Theres about 15-20 of them, so i hope they make it. Thanks all.
Ben

 

[Cichlid-Man]

They normally don't lay their eggs in the substrate. Usually on a flat vertical surface.

Congrats Benlink3.......good luck with them!

 

[benlink3]

Thank you.
It's been about 3 days now, still in thier yolk tho.
I can not see them now, mother hiding them well.
Ben

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Hmm 3 days since being laid? They should be hatched. Look for small small small little black things really whipping their tail.....fast.

They should be attached to rocks or something in the aquarium, not freeswimming yet.

 

[benlink3]

I cant see them.
I dont wanna move the castle, or I might disturb the mother there.
Thanks tho.
Ben

 

[benlink3]

I kinda want them to move to this clay pot I made for them.
Is it possible?
Ben

 

[Cichlid-Man]

I'm sure they will eventually find it.

After this spawn, move whatever they stay around out of the tank and once they spawn a few times on the remaining structure (pot) put the castle back in.

 

[benlink3]

OK.
Thanks
Ben