Convicts

[Amaster131]

I just got a male and femal convict. They are between 1 and 1.5 inches an I was wondering how big they have to be to start breeding?

Thanks for any help in advance *thumbsups

 

[Fuzz16]

they will most likely start breeding when they hit maybe 3-4", but im not sure

what size tank you keeping them in?

 

[Dino]

I have had them breed at smaller than 2 inches.

Dino

 

[SinisterKisses]

At that size, they'll likely start breeding somewhat soon. Females tend to be able to breed at a smaller size than males, so you may start to see the female laying eggs but not getting any fry out of them until the male gets a bit bigger.

 

[Cichlid-Man]

I've also had them breed at 2".

 

[Amaster131]

Alright thanks, I will just wait for them to get a bit bigger

 

[sweetpickles7]

What size of tank do you have?

 

[Amaster131]

Right now since they are so little I am keeping them in a ten gallon tank, as they get bigger I will get a bigger tank for them.

 

[Amaster131]

I was just watching my convicts and my male is chasing my female around, he doesnt try to bite her but she does try to get away. Is this good or bad?

 

[Big Vine]

The fact that he isn't actually doing damage to her is a good thing. Just keep an eye out and make sure it stays that way.

How long have they been in the tank?
They're likely just sorting out who's boss and territory issues.

Either way, make sure there are enough hiding spots for both fish. Granted, they won't have far to swim to in order to escape one another, but having more hiding spots will still help.

BV

 

[Amaster131]

I just got them sunday

 

[Big Vine]

They just need time to settle.
Believe me---you'll know if things are going sour pretty quickly, because there'll be a hell of a lot more than just 'nipping' at one another. In fact, one fish (the loser, obviously, lol) will end up scrunched up into one of the top corners of the tank; probably behind the heater, if the sh_it does end up hitting the fan.

But, in all likelihood, I'm guessing they'll sort things out amongst themselves and get to breeding as soon as they're ready. They may need to grow some, but many folks have had em' breed at a fairly small size, as mentioned.

Just give em' more time and keep a close watch on them.
Let us know if anything else of concern pops up though!

BV

 

[Amaster131]

Ok thanks Big Vine, but how do I know when they are about to breed?

 

[Cichlid-Man]

The female will have really bright orange scales on her stomach, she'll probably fatten up a bit and you might notice the pair digging pits, cleaning surfaces, etc around the tank.

 

[Amaster131]

Ok thanks Cichlid man

 

[sclabman]

My female was doing this chasing behavior to my male, and ended up eating most of his head. The male was slightly smaller than her though... but if they're not doing damage, they'll probably be fine. My female would bite off pieces of fin.

 

[Amaster131]

Yea mine are the same size, and are doing no harm.