I finally gave in

[nobody]

Well, most my old fish died. I had only one non bottom dweller and two bottom dwellers left. I was tired of replacing fish as often as I had been. So after giving my tank a good cleaning and waiting a bit I went fish shopping.

The first lfs I stopped by I went looking in the cichlid section specifically for angels, but they didn't have any so I looked at the others and saw the single convict they had. A cute little female (or at least that's what I was told she is) that kept taking more of my heart by the moment. So, I bought her and figuring I'd try to get her a male. But when I stopped at the second store I bought not only a male, but one more female. All three are very pleasant for me to watch when I come home from work and now that they're settled in their new home, they like to come see me when I'm in front of the tank.

I do have a few questions however, first of all do the orange spots on the sides of young convicts really show that the fish is female (I just want to be sure I have one male and two females and not two males and female)? Second should I get one more male or should I take one of the females back to the store or should I worry about having them in even numbers at all to be sure there's not one fish getting picked on? If you're wondering I have a 40 gallon tank. Third and last, the one other fish I have that swims in a place other than the bottom is a Het. So far the convicts don't seem to mind it, but while I will keep an eye on them, should I move it to a new home to keep it safe or do you think it'll be fine?

Now that my questions have been asked, I'll share my pics

From left to right, Banner (male), Connie Lu (female), and Aryanna (female)

Banner

My dark female Aryanna (Ary for short)

And the one who started it all, Connie Lu

Sorry about the water spots, these were taken after the tank cleaning and that is the cleaning part I've yet to get too. I appreciate your advice. Enjoy

 

[Pure]

With the right amount of decor a 40 gal should be big enough for the 3rd female to have places to retreat to when the other 2 breed. I would still keep an eye on the third female. Remove her if she starts getting roughed up too much.

Definitely don't add another male.

Females have orange bellies.

 

[Cichlid-Man]

I agree with Pure on all points.

Nice looking Cons. Banner and Connie Lu look like they will be really nice, Aryanna has good potential as well.

 

[Big Vine]

Nice cons!
I agree with everything that has been said...just leave the trio in there for now, and keep a close eye out for any excessive aggression against the non-paired female.
BV

 

[mistercoffee]

Oh the jokes I could make, but won't....

So I'll just say, BEAUTIFUL FISH!

 

[nobody]

Thanks for the comments. It's looks like I might have a pair forming with Banner and Connie Lu. They like to hang out together and chase Aryanna a bit. In case you're wondering this is the residence of my fish.

Also I picked up these guys today, the last additions to my tank for a good long while I hope. I don't remember what they're called (I think they're Ports, but I'm not sure), but I'm wondering if you know how to tell males from females because the people at the fish store didn't. Here's pics
First two pics are the same fish

This one is camera shy so this was the best shot I got

Thanks again.

 

[nobody]

Well, I think it's official that I have a breeding pair. Connie Lu and Banner have kicked my golden CAE out of his usual cave and claimed it as their own. Banner keeps Streak and the other fish away while Connie Lu tends to the inside of the cave.

Banner guarding

Connie Lu in the cave

I'm wondering though, how do I know if and when Connie Lu lays eggs and what if anything should I be watching for when I need to do something if anything? If these two are breeding, I don't want to disturb them, but at the same time I'd like to know when certain things are happening in that cave if I can. Advice is appreciated. Thanks again.