Scientific Name: Cryptoheros nigrofasciatusCommon Name: Convict cichlid, zebra cichlid

Region: Central America (Guatemala, El Salvadore, Costa Rica & Panama)Size: Up to 6" (15cm). Females are smaller

Color: White body, black vertical bars (hence the name convict). The stripes and any color on the belly become more pronounced during breeding. Males usually have darker stripes and pointier fins, are typically larger than the females, and fully mature males will have a bit of a hump on their head. Females have more color on their bellies, usually pink and green. There is also a pink albino strain.Water Chemistry: pH 6.0 - 8.0; medium hardnessTemperature: 68°- 80°F (20° to 27° C). Warmer water when breedingAggression: Aggressive, especially when mating. Compatibility: Aggressive, robust, larger fish (if you want them to live...)Diet: OmnivorousHow to breed: It would difficult to stop this fish from breeding. All you need is a pair, and they'll do the rest! It's a pleasure to watch these fish guard their fry.General Experience: Convicts were my introduction to the world of cichlid keeping. Needless to say, I was completely hooked. I was overjoyed when they started to breed, thinking I was going to make a million dollars by selling the babies. I was wrong of course, no one wanted them.

Anyhow, convicts are an excellent choice for a starter cichlid.  A pair of these in a well filtered 20 gallon aquarium, and you're good to go!

Even though I quickly graduated on to nicer fish, I would still have to say that cichlids hold a special place in my heart. This is partly due to the fact that while I was spending some time in Honduras, we stopped off at a local river on the way home from a game of futbol (soccer).  There was an old algae-covered dam that we were climbing up and sliding down like a water slide. As I  reached the top of the dam, I looked down the water's edge, and there about 12 inches below the surface was a wild pair of cichlids guarding their eggs on the wall of the dam. It was a pretty awesome experience!

Anyhow, feel free to leave your experiences in the comments!

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cichlids laid eggs, now they' 'Guest' (Unregistered) 2006-12-29 12:59:40 My female had laid her eggs several days ago, now they are all missing overnight. I don’t know if she moved them or not. She is acting very strangely, sucking up bubbles from the aerator and moving the bubbles. I don’t think the eggs were eaten by the other fish because she has been extremely protective of them. If the fry are hidden, they are hidden very well. Can you explain? Reply 15   4

Aaron (Unregistered) 2007-11-12 08:48:40 The mother convicts have been know to bury their young if she feels that they are threatened. She's probably been sucking up the bubbles and releasing them on her eggs to aerate them. the fry should be out and about in a few days. If not, it might be safe to say, they were eaten. Reply 1   2

'Guest' (Unregistered) 2006-12-29 13:00:03 Chris, they've either hatched, and the fry are being hidden, or there's a possibility that they didn't fertilize properly and she ate them herself. I have no idea about the air bubble though, maybe they taste good Reply 1   3

missing eggs 'Guest' (Unregistered) 2007-01-01 10:02:55 i heard the males hide the eggs in their mouth and will eat them if they feel threatened. Reply 0   4

hmm Justin (Unregistered) 2007-01-01 10:50:21 I've never heard of a male convict cichlid hiding eggs in his mouth before! Reply 0   1

missing eggs jc (Unregistered) 2007-01-02 07:32:10 I agree. They've most likely been abandoned and eaten. Sorry Reply 2   2

Brice (Unregistered) 2007-01-13 20:49:07 I have been doing undergraduate research on convict cichlid behaviors, i have read a book by Barlow stating that captive cichlids do not hold the eggs in their mouth bc they were not "trained" to do so. but in the wild it is very common in a stressful environment (lots of predators) for a male convict to hold the eggs in their mouth so he can move them out of immediate danger Reply 4   1

cool jc (Unregistered) 2007-01-14 09:56:27 Wow, I stand corrected! That is extremely cool! I wonder how these fish then learned to hold the eggs, seeing as most convict cichlids we get are aquarium bred and raised Reply 0   2

Anonymous (Unregistered) 2008-12-29 13:58:36 undergraduate is right for sure. my wife and i have tons of cichlids for years now and well you cant stop mother nature no matter if in wild or in a home aquarium, go study some more Reply 1   3

Nathan (Unregistered) 2007-03-14 23:52:23 I also have a pair of convicts that laid eggs. The male seemed to be trying to get to the eggs since they arrived but the female has been fighting him off endlessly. now three days later she seemed to just give up and the male came in and did what looked like he was eating them and now they're gone. I'm new to the whole breeding thing and am confused since i've read they were so protective over their eggs and fry and am wondering why they would eat them... Reply 4   2

eggs Justin (Unregistered) 2007-03-15 12:22:28 There's a good chance that they were unfertilized Reply 1   3

they didn't eat them kyle (Unregistered) 2008-12-07 11:15:04 they are mouth breeders, the male puts the eggs in his mouth and than spits them back out, that is how they become fertilized! Reply 0   7

bone (Unregistered) 2009-03-22 20:49:51 convicts cichlids are not mouth brooders they are substrait brooders a mouth brooder is when the female lays her eggs and scoops them up in her mouth the chases the male he fiterlizes them in her mouth. Now you may ask how does the male get the female to chase him so he can fertilize the eggs simple male mouth brooders have what is called egg dummies on there anil fin. they are markings that look like eggs and when the female is scooping up her eggs he swins in front of the eggs she chases the egg dummies and he feritilizes he does till all the eggs are in her mouth and feritilized Reply 1   0

Anonymous (Unregistered) 2007-04-30 23:24:00 THE EGGS HATCHED THEN SHE WILL MOVE THEN TO A SAFER PLACE WHERE SHE WILL HIDE THE FRY UNTIL THEY ARE FREE SWIMMERS THEN THEY WILL BOTH PROTECT THEM.. Reply 1   2

New Question about babies Ginger (Unregistered) 2007-06-23 20:20:06 I am fairly new to the cichlid hobby. Anyway, I have a breeding pair. They laid eggs and the eggs hatched. The babies are now about three weeks old. My question is this: is there a way to tell the sex of the babies yet? If so how? If not, at what age can you start to see the differences and what are they? Really need help here on this one! Anyone with info can feel free to email me after posting here. ginanimals@yahoo.com Thank you!! Reply 1   2

sex justin (Author) 2007-06-24 19:53:41 It generally takes much longer than 3 weeks to determine the sex of the fish. Once their fins and colors start to appear you'll know Reply 0   4

breeding champ prince (Unregistered) 2007-07-01 11:04:38 I have a breeding pair of convicts who generally produce 75-100 fry each time. this particular time, the male is very aggressive towards the female. the fry are free swimming (appx 2 weeks old), but the female hides most of the time. should i remove the male or female so not to stress her or should they be ok? Reply 6   1

albino convicts eggs Adam (Unregistered) 2007-07-02 04:33:10 my male and female convict are both taking sifts at garding the eggs but i dont no when there going to hatch its alredy been four days. ive counted around about 400-450 eggs please help me! Reply 5   2

Adam (Unregistered) 2007-07-02 04:37:17 i would'nt i done that once and when i put the male back with the female he killed her so i had to remove the fry but they next day they died Reply 2   2

male justin (Author) 2007-07-02 08:19:50 I would try removing the male, the female can then look after the babies Reply 1   1

justin adam (Unregistered) 2007-07-05 04:51:40 the female will eat them and the fry will die keep them together. Reply 3   1

albino convict fry adam (Unregistered) 2007-07-05 04:56:23 my convict fry hatched on monday i seen them this morning in the flower pot that they breed in and theres hundreds but there unable to swim could you tell me when there be free-swimming? Reply 4   1

fry swimming justin (Author) 2007-07-05 06:54:38 they'll be swimming within a couple days and you'll need to feed them Reply 2   1

thanks adam (Unregistered) 2007-07-05 12:18:14 thanks for the advice Reply 3   1

fry adam (Unregistered) 2007-07-09 06:58:53 i moved the mother/father out because they started eating the fry but the fry are swimming aroung in groups and are doing well but they wont accept fry food but ive got alge so i think there eating that but are they? Reply 3   1

true! Rick (Unregistered) 2009-04-08 01:06:44 Ive even seen the pait take flakes into their mouth and spit them out in pieces for the fry. Reply 2   0

food justin (Author) 2007-07-09 07:34:29 they may be. I never fed my cichlids fry food, I always just pulverized some flake food and shot it in near them Reply 2   1

more adam (Unregistered) 2007-07-12 08:48:38 can i have some info on the fry Reply 1   1

cichlid fry justin (Author) 2007-07-12 11:25:54 what info are you looking for? Reply 2   1

well adam (Unregistered) 2007-07-13 04:15:38 well when will they be able to go in with the others?and stages of growth Reply 1   1

jay adam (Unregistered) 2007-07-16 04:11:37 about 1-2 days Reply 1   1

cichlid fry justin (Author) 2007-07-16 07:39:17 when they're big enough to not be eaten! Reply 1   1

Eggs.. Jay (Unregistered) 2007-07-15 16:16:34 My breeding pair of cichlids have laid eggs about 3days ago and havent hatched yet. So i need to know when they will hatch. Reply 4   1

cichlid eggs justin (Author) 2007-07-16 07:40:06 3 days is still a little early. Just be patient, watch them, you'll see when they're just about ready to hatch Reply 1   1

Well then... Jay (Unregistered) 2007-07-16 13:35:40 Thanks for the little tip. Reply 1   1

Fry Samuel (Unregistered) 2007-07-16 18:12:42 My convict fry have just hatched today, now how long will it take for them to get abount and inch big or to reach maturity? Reply 3   1

convict fry justin (Author) 2007-07-16 18:17:46 They should be that big within about 3 or 4 weeks, but that doesn't mean they're mature Reply 1   1

Eggs Jay (Unregistered) 2007-07-16 20:45:53 My convict laid their first eggs and its been about 5 days, and i have watched the female convict eat these eggs, i need to know why? Reply 1   2

female convict justin (Author) 2007-07-17 08:39:25 The eggs probably weren't fertilized properly - the male may not be mature enough yet. Don't worry, next time they should hatch Reply 1   1

eggs eddy (Unregistered) 2007-07-17 11:03:30 My cichlids eggs have just hatched, when will my breeding pair have their next batch of eggs? Reply 1   2

eggs justin (Author) 2007-07-17 11:10:53 possibly within a couple months if you feed them well and change some water Reply 2   7

Anonymous (Unregistered) 2010-05-16 05:20:27 Learn how to spell dipstick,and go waste your life elsewhere. Convicts are beautiful fish. Reply 1   0

haha adam (Unregistered) 2007-07-18 03:30:16 convicts are to vilent and crap i coped there head of lol Reply 5   2

Anon (Unregistered) 2010-02-08 16:29:50 To us more educated fish people, Convicts are fascinating and very easy to keep. All cichlids are violent to an extent. Learn to spell and go back to school moron. Reply 1   0

convict fry amy harrell (Unregistered) 2007-07-26 21:08:37 There is nothing more satisfying as seeing your first swarm. Every cichlid lvr should get to experience it at least one time! As for others in the tank eating the fry/eggs fat chance of getting past 1/2 the tank before papa skins someones butt alive! They are the most fearless parents I have ever seen, they would swim through haddes in a gasoline suit to protect the fry! Reply 3   1

> honkie_boi (Unregistered) 2007-07-28 01:31:08 omg.. ok well " .. >< i have a pair of convicts with like >< 10 other kinds of cichlids.. .. just today ..i saw my convict for sum reason .." ..>< guading this cave.. and like.." scaring other fish away ...>< " i looked from behind the tank and i saw Eggs." ..>< i decided to immediately remove the other fish .. but .. " i think .. the eggs " kinda blew ? LOL " now i see thew male trying to find it.. in the area.." >< if some egg did like .. fly or under the sand" ( im using white sand as gravel ) .. will they hatch ? .. once they hatch ? will the convicts eat them? plz reply here" or .. email : contact_h0nkie@hotmail.com thanx Reply 2   2

eggs justin (Unregistered) 2007-07-28 07:43:41 If they aren't laid on or attached to something, they may not hatch Reply 2   1

Convicts breeding Pete (Unregistered) 2007-08-03 13:14:15 oncoming home i seen that all the eggs had gone but the female was guarding a new area however i could see no fry. Then last night they all in a flowe pot in full view, its cook to watch them try wriggle out of pot until the female picks them up and takes them inside. I cant wait for them to hatch. the male is not doing much, since there is no other fish in tank he just stays close by pot until the female leaves and he take over until the female chases him out. The colours on the female are truly beutiful Reply 2   1

Kyle Hudson (Unregistered) 2008-12-05 19:09:52 very true justin. you will not have to worry about the convicts eating them, the convicts will chase off and fight off any other fish regardless of size, i had a 2 in. Black convict charge at my 10 inch oscar, the oscar turned around and swallowed him whole, dont worry about the fry, the male and female will protect them at all costs. Reply 1   0

wow adam (Unregistered) 2007-08-07 14:07:32 my convict female has blue ram weird the fry are a greyish orange colour the female convict is pink i couldnt beleave it Reply 2   1

DUG A DEN...... Christina (Unregistered) 2007-09-18 12:38:20 This is just my opinopn, but you have way too many fish in a 55 gallon tank. Just think of yourself(being pregnant with triplets) your husband and another couple as living in a studio apartment with (depending on the size of your balas which like plenty of swimming area and can grow to about 16") 10 growing and active children, 5 dogs, two cats, a 7 foot husband and his mom (those would be the suckes), oh, and your nephew (clown) Reply 2   1

DUG A DEN UNDER A LARGE LOG OR LISA (Unregistered) 2007-08-13 00:38:14 MY FRIEND GAVE ME FOUR CONVICTS. THEY HAVE GROWN RAPIDLY. TWO PAIRED OFF AND MADE A DEN, WHICH IS HEAVILY GUARDED. ABOUT FOUR OR FIVE DAYS AGO THEY STARTED LETTING THE OTHER ONES STAY CLOSE BY. THEY ARE IN A 55 GAL. TANK WITH TWO 10 INCH BALA SHARKS, TWO FOUR-FIVE INCH RED FINNED SHARKS, ONE CLOWN, FIVE CORYS, ONE 12 SUCKER, AND ONE 7 INCH SUCKER, AND TWO GOURAMIS, ONE GUPPY. Reply 1   1

Sweet ^^ Female convict laid e honkie_boi (Unregistered) 2007-09-12 07:09:13 yeS ^^ she laid about 80 - 100 i think . shes garuging them ncely.. Counting the days till htach , saw the eggs laid on the 10th of september any one know how long i have to wait till? already 2 days passed. Reply 3   1

cichlid eggs justin (Author) 2007-09-12 08:11:25 it should only be a couple more days then. You'll be able to tell, because the eggs will go from transparent to having something clearly visible in them Reply 2   1

convict adam (Unregistered) 2007-09-13 12:08:50 i have 13 albino convict fry and are 4 mounths old they about 1 inch or so long could ya tell me when they will breed or pair up an when will the females get there colour Reply 3   1

Awww =( honkie_boi (Unregistered) 2007-09-13 17:21:03 man .. i came back from after school. relized most of them were gone >< either eaten or hidden..>< never theless i moved both of them into another tank NOW =] my fries havebecome wigglers.. however only about 25 eggs survived.when do i start feeding them liquidfry ? Reply 4   1

cichlid fry justin (Author) 2007-09-14 09:52:54 right away! (just don't overdo it) Reply 2   1

fry captain (Unregistered) 2007-09-27 00:00:59 Hi, My convicts now have fry they are about a week old and are getting bigger by the day! Its exciting to watch but I have 18 other fish in the tank. (55 gallons) Couple of sichlids, 2 oscars, guarmi, few barbs and a few neon medallions & 2 fresh water shrimp. Im wanting to know how long will the parents protect them? Im worried that in a little while they wont look after them anymore and if so they will be eaten immediately. Should I buy another smaller tank til theyr big enough to look after themselves? Thoughts?? Thanks Reply 2   1

convict babaies justin (Author) 2007-09-27 07:10:55 well, just how badly do you want to keep all the babies? If you leave them, some will survive. If you take them out, they could all survive, but what will you do with them? Reply 3   0

Anonymous (Unregistered) 2007-09-29 17:10:54 Yeah I figured id let nature sort it out, survival of the fittest. Alas now theres only about a dozen left =o( They're getting bigger now, just over quarter of an inch. The transparency is just starting to fade and I can see very mild stripes coming through. Its fun to watch the parents protect their young, how long will this last though? I do think if they get abandoned theyll be eaten for sure. I heard the parents stay with them til theyre about an inch is this correct? Thanks again Reply 4   0

convicts justin (Author) 2007-10-01 08:39:36 yeah, that's about right Reply 2   0

When does a convict become mat Aurelio Arroyo (Unregistered) 2007-09-28 00:51:16 At what age do you know convict is full grown, does anyone know, if you do, please email me, Monkeyhead_74@yahoo.com Reply 4   2

convict mature Aurelio Arroyo (Unregistered) 2007-09-28 00:52:59 At what age are convicts abl to breed MONKEYHEAD_74@YAHOO.COM Reply 1   3

Anonymous (Unregistered) 2008-05-28 17:34:43 18 Reply 2   0

changing the fry tank water? me (Unregistered) 2007-10-22 13:50:58 what is the safest way to clean the frys' tank out Reply 2   0

aggressive tess (Unregistered) 2007-10-22 20:30:34 My convict female at first chased the male away when she had her first spawn. The babies started to disapear and well i took the 7 babies away when they were ready enough. Also now she has had her second spawn and now the parents started off really close, but today things turned for the worst. I had to remove her from the nanies because he almost killed her. He attacked her as if she was another fish. don't know what to do. help Reply 3   1

how soon is too soon... curious (Unregistered) 2009-10-22 17:58:33 My friend has a bunch of not even a week old fry and we're wondering when is too soon to move them into different tanks? Reply 0   0

hi adam (Unregistered) 2007-10-25 13:30:08 how many convicts can you fit in a 40 litre tank? Reply 2   0

You want Convicts to STAY in J O Ricky (Unregistered) 2007-10-25 21:10:31 Depending on the size of your fish. My tank is a 125 gallon (almost 500 LITRES) and I have 13 Cichilds (commutnity) living in it. The average size is 3 inches. I like to give 10 gallons to an inch of fish for maximum health and space (it's an organic aqaurium) so do the math and my ecosystem is way over the Bio-budget. In 40LITRE, you can only have one cichild, or a pair if they're 2 inches or less or some more if they're tiny babies. Reply 1   2

Queen of AMAZONIA O Ricky (Unregistered) 2007-10-25 21:30:15 Anyone have a male Convict Cichild breed with a female Convict TWICE his size (no black widows here!) In my tank she always chases him away, she laid eggs that weren't fertized last summer and still she doesn't want him. My Cichild tank consists of 2 Convicts (2 inch, 4 inch), 4 Lemon/Labs (at 3 inch) and 7 Kenyi (at 3 inch). The female Convict is the biggest in the tank, she's the BOSS - the Queen of the Jungle. She's quite a carnivore and loves eating earwigs and can't get enough of them. Funny though how she chases away her own species more often than the other kinds of Cichlids; Convicts are American and I guess to win an American woman (fish) he's gotta put up with alot! Reply 2   1

Anonymous (Unregistered) 2007-11-04 01:23:55 my convicts are crazy.. my female just laid about 100 - 150 eggs and she would protect it 24/7 without leaving the sight. The male doesnt do much but recently hes been helping her out alot. he was just tryin to dig holes around the castle where the female had laid her eggs . the male would suck the rocks up and bring it all the way to the other end of the tank lol he did that like 100 times lol i enjoying watching it it was insane lol. and yeah its pretty neat im just wating for the egg to hatch its been 3 days now almost 4!! Reply 5   0

breeding convicts steve (Unregistered) 2008-01-10 10:30:08 k i have a 55 gallon..got a bunch of convicts in it...1 pair have laid 2 sets of eggs..either one hatched..now another pair layed a bunch...waited the week or so..today thy were gone too..i change the water lots and feed them like its going outta style..they are very big and it feels like im missing something?3 nests and nothings hatched?!! anyone know why? Reply 2   1

Single Mother Convict? Jack (Unregistered) 2008-01-19 13:16:36 Ok so I named my male Black Convict Akon, and it has been 1-2 weeks. I have a Blue Paradise Gourami named Petri, a Bala Shark named Juju, a Clown Loach named Wampus, and finally I have the pair of Convicts, I have not named the female yet.... Anyways, about 1-2 weeks after the eggs were hatched, the male, Akon, left the mother, and he has also been trying to eat the eggs. What does this mean, and is it normal???? Reply 3   1

single mother convict laura (Unregistered) 2008-01-22 15:47:16 the males will sometimes eat the eggs if they were not fertilized properly yes it is normal, they will probably pair up again Reply 1   3

Rob (Unregistered) 2008-02-13 00:39:38 My frist chiclids were convicts easy to care for my problem with them they always bread,like out of control. dont think i will keep them again, just becouse of that. good starter fish!!! Reply 3   1

hi plz help adam (Unregistered) 2008-02-24 07:57:33 At what age are convicts able to breed Reply 4   4

Anonymous (Unregistered) 2008-05-28 17:31:08 i would say around 18 Reply 4   1

Your a dick Kyle Hudson (Unregistered) 2008-12-05 19:06:59 Anonymous, your a dousche, dont be a smart ass, if your not gunna help people than keep your little smart ass remarks to yourself... Reply 0   2

Kyle Hudson (Unregistered) 2008-12-05 19:06:30 I have had my 2 inch black convicts for under 2 weeks now, and they have already bread in my 20 gal tank PS: I am seeking help as well, i am almost at the bottom of the page, maybe you could help me??? Reply 0   1

convict mother brennan (Unregistered) 2008-03-04 16:13:11 i have a 150 gallon tank with three convicts, 3 jack dempseys, three firemouths, three green severums, two pictus cats, two 4 line cats, and a pleco. two of my convicts are females and one male. the smaller female and male had babies that are a little over a month old now and recently the mother has stopped protecting the babies. the dad is now keeping her away from them as well as all the other fish. my larger female convict is acting like she has laid eggs altho i cant see them due to the tank layout, but she is the only fish that the male convict lets near the babies and she lets him near her eggs. i was wondering 1st if a male convict will leave his former mate for a new one and if this is why the smaller mother of the babies does not protect them anymore, or is it that she is by far the smallest fish in the tank and feels she cannot protect them anymore? and also the bigger female doesnot seem to try and chase or eat thebabies from the smaller female. i was just looking for some explanatios on what is going on in my tank. thank you Reply 3   1

Anonymous (Unregistered) 2008-04-13 14:47:31 HOW U TELL DIFERENCE BETWEEN MALES & FEMALE BLACK COVICTS Reply 7   3

plz help bob (Unregistered) 2008-04-17 00:04:40 My female convict laid her eggs 4 days ago and today when I looked I saw only 3 eggs left and I couldn’t see any fry and was wondering if she ate them or is just protecting them because she is still in her cave. In the tank there is a male (4 inch) a female (3inch) and a flying fox, just I wouldn’t think she would need to protect them from the flying fox but they both chase it around a fair bit. Thankyou for helping. Reply 3   2

cyl_41@yahoo.ca (Registered) 2008-05-05 14:41:23 Do conics perfer certin kinds of plants to lay on. Reply 4   2

male or female convict HondaVti20 (Unregistered) 2008-06-10 15:52:32 hi i have 2 convict cichlids and i dont know which one is male and vis versa .....? one is quite bigger than the other but the smaller one has more colours on all fins ... could some1 reply with a detailed info how to distinguish.. thanks Reply 3   0

Its easy Kyle Hudson (Unregistered) 2008-12-05 19:03:35 The female Black convict has an orange tint on her belly, and gets more blue on the fins. the female will also be the one that will gaurd her eggs when she lays them, she will also be more dominate during feeding time... there is also the possibility that if neither fish has orange on its belly, that you may have to males, i only know for sure about the Black Convicts, none of the other ones i am afraid, i am also seeking help further down on the page, its under the same name, maybe you could help me now?? Reply 0   1

Wrigglers Stormy (Unregistered) 2008-06-25 13:43:39 I have just recently gotten a male convict(Darkglimmer)around more then 6 days ago.At first My female(Goldenspots)showed little interest in him.she would chase him around sorta but let him stay close to her.And maybe around 2 days lator,they spawned.Goldenspots layed her eggs on a rock near the back of my 29 gallon.Four days lator im sure they hatched.Their wrigglers now but Ineed info on how long they stay wrigglers and if at that stage,is that when they have their yolksacs? Reply 1   0

holes melissa (Unregistered) 2008-09-26 11:09:53 my confict keeps digging holes i was wondering if this is a way of nesting and also i have 6 of them all together in i think about 55 gallon tank will they be able to breed good in these conditions Reply 0   0

fries just hatched sulabh (Unregistered) 2008-10-10 13:23:41 hello ! i would just like to know that my eggs have hatched today so should i remove the fishes or should i keep them in a small aquarium of 2 litre Reply 0   0

my convict garding eggs but... gluxmor (Unregistered) 2008-10-15 01:17:19 i only got one convict cichlyd its actuaaly the only "aquarium" fish because the others are three pumpkin seed crapy 2 rock bass and an american eel but i found it garding eggs today i always tought it was a male no orange at all and pretty long fins is it hermaphrodite?? is it a female and i didnt realize i had it for 6 or 7 years now what you think happenned eggs are glued to a ceramic skull brownich kind of orange color i didnt see eyes trough membranes well they probably arent fertilized could a crappy and a cichlyd hybrid? Reply 2   1

i lost my stiped convict chili dance (Unregistered) 2008-11-07 16:56:12 about two days ago the female laid eggs on a pebble and the eggs were all over it and yesterday I looked at my tank and saw the eggs there and today i looked again and they were all gone but the female was still in the same spot and she kept biting the ground as if she was looking for food or something but do you know wat happened to the eggs please reply i really want these eggs to hatch and get lots of fry! PLEASE HELP! Reply 0   0

first time chiclids angel (Unregistered) 2008-11-19 14:59:02 I have 6 chiclids in a 30+ gallon tank, all smaller sized ones none being more than 2" , a pair of them seperated and chased all the others away from the large shell I put in there, the male recently died, (abuot a week or more after they paired off) and I noticed the female in the opposite corner of the tank chasing fish.. I looked and saw a tiny baby, I tried to net it but it dissapeared I looked in the shell even pulled it out of the water and found nothing comming out, so my question is this.. Is it possible there are any more fry, and will the female mate with a different male in the tank since her mate has died?? Reply 0   0

deo (Unregistered) 2008-11-26 22:39:55 Why is my male mature convict cichlid resting on his side... As soon as I think he's sick, he bolts after one of the midas then swims back to his spot and back on he's side... he eats fine and shares the tank (75 gal.) with 2 midas and a tiger catfish... I wonder is this normal behavior or is he sick... I aquired him from a local dealer who had him alone because of his bully behavior...please anyone with knowledge respond... Reply 0   0

Male black convict chiclid bei Kyle Hudson (Unregistered) 2008-12-05 18:56:28 About 2 or 3 days ago i notices some eggs in the bottom of this little flouresnt house i have in my aquariam, i noticed the female sleeping in it, and chasing away my 3 inch oscar, and the male convict which is the same size as her (1 1/2"). Is it normal for her to chase him away (the male convict)? will the oscar eat the fry??? i need help, im 15 and know absoulutly nothing about my fish... Reply 0   0

Don't worry yet UW Marine (Unregistered) 2009-02-23 18:12:27 The eggs may not be fertilized if the female is displeased with the male, but at 1.5" your fish are a bit young to have figured out how this works yet. As far as the oscar is concerned; if your eggs are indeed fertilized she will be able to stand her own against a 3" oscar, but oscars grow at an alarming rate and there is a chance it will outgrow both of your cons and eventually eat everyone. My suggestion for now is not to worry about hatching the eggs this time around. If she fails this round and grows a bit they'll give it another try and your male will eventually get the hint and she'll let him help. Reply 0   0

My Cichlids Tanner (Unregistered) 2009-02-26 00:05:56 I am new to cichlid breeding and was wondering if cichlid eggs will be very visible. Also my male is digging a whole in my rock next to a large rock and plants that I have in my tank. Is he making an area to mate. Reply 4   0

The fry allaboutcichlids (Registered) 2009-02-26 11:00:30 I have two convicts in a 55 gallon tank along with other cichlids. The started spawning about two weeks ago. It started out them moving rocks and making a cave under a bigger rock. Which was very interesting to watch. Then a couple of days later there were eggs on the big rock. I would say about 60-80 eggs. And they guarded them like pros. This was there first spawning together. And now they have hatched but there is only about 20 that have survived. They are out free swimming and the mother is right there with them. Not letting any of my other cichlids around. Reply 2   0

what size tank mickey (Unregistered) 2009-02-27 08:43:38 hi i only have around 60 dollars and would love to have these fish but i was wondering how i could have them because i only hear of people having them in a huge tank.i have an empty 15 gallon would that be ok?i am only planning on getting a pair and breeding. Reply 1   0

what types mickey (Unregistered) 2009-02-27 08:47:24 hi again at my local pet store they have convictt chiclids in different colors white and back ang grey with stripes are they the same type of fish and will they still breed together? Reply 0   0

I got a bigger tank.. Mark (Unregistered) 2009-03-04 14:17:36 but my convicts just had eggs about three days ago and now they are little convict wigglers around my tank would it be save if i set up the bigger tank and moved the convicts and the fry in there so they have more room? Reply 0   0

When will they have babies Stripe and Big Mama (Unregistered) 2009-03-20 09:07:15 I have a male and female Convict. I've been waiting on the two to have babies, but none as of yet. The way they guard there Caves, make me think they have laid eggs, but I still have not seen anything yet. when will they have babies? Reply 0   0

the mother is eating the eggs michelle (Unregistered) 2009-05-06 02:01:25 we have a female and a male convict and the female is laying her eggs but they are coming out like 2 at a time and she isnt having them all in the sam estop she is having them everywere does this mean that the eggs are fertile its her first time i think and we also have other fish in the tank i was wondering if she is just stressed and that is why she is eating them can u email me realcxc@hotmail.com Reply 0   0

Help Sexing Smith (Registered) 2009-05-27 05:13:55 I recently bought 2 convicts about 4 inches form the pet shop. none of them had any orange on there bellies so i proceeded to buy one with the rounded find (Female) and one with a pointed fin (Male) The problem is that the so called female has turned a light silver and lost her stripes and she keeps attacking the male rather viciously? The male still retains his normal color? 2 Questions: 1. Have I made a mistake with the sexes? 2. Can I introduce an additional convict and would they still bread? Reply 0   0

Cole (Unregistered) 2009-06-10 02:49:21 How can you tell if the fish is pregnant. My fish has been pregnant one other time with a Firemouth Cichlid. She is tunneling and hiding more again, doing the same things as last time. Her underbelly is much more blue then normal. Is she pregnant? Send me the asnwers at coleramos@cox.net please and thank you. The only other fish in there are her offspring and a pleco. Reply 0   0

pairing Ata (Unregistered) 2009-06-30 10:49:22 Hi, i got 3 male and 2 female convicts about 2 weeks back n thought after they 1 pair forms i return the other three, but looks like the female having bright orange on the belly is still confused whom to choose as a pair,hmmm(choosy female), kindly suggest and are there any signs they have formed a pair Reply 0   0

juicestain (Unregistered) 2009-07-20 22:57:25 i work at a petsmart we had a breeding pair of convicts. the mother and father both guarded the free swimming fry. the mother would scoop them in her mouth and bring them back if they swam too far. they have had 2 batches of babies. this was done in aprox. 10g tank with 8 other convicts mind you. my uncle bought the 2 and now we are trying to see if they will breed again. i think the stress of losing 2 batches of babies have strained them. Reply 0   0

Anonymous (Unregistered) 2009-08-01 18:14:02 im wonderin if by takin the dad convict out and leavin the mother and the babies alone in a 10 gallon, if that will prevent the fry from getting eaten. bcause then they wont hav to eat up all the babies bfor they breed again Reply 0   0

water changes with fries kory (Unregistered) 2009-08-04 16:26:53 I have the male and the female in a 20 gallon tank and their eggs hatched now my question is can i do a water change? wont they eat the babies if they see me sticking my hand in? and how often do i do the water change with the firs in there ? Reply 0   0

water change with fry fishman (Unregistered) 2009-09-16 01:34:52 you can do the water change but do it one the other side of the tank and try to not disturbe the tank do it slow . dont clean it though. you will ring up to much crap . Reply 0   0

water change with fry fishman (Unregistered) 2009-09-16 01:36:58 you also need a bigger tank . for sure ! you will see algie and probley white fungas on the fish . spots . you need to change your tank water alot with a 20 gallon tank . like 2 wice a week . Reply 0   0

fishman (Unregistered) 2009-09-16 01:39:04 guys you need a bigger tank if you have convics at least 30 gallons . if you dont nothing you do will save your fish from a lot of probs. fungas not able to grow right etc.... Reply 0   0

im lost Anonymous (Unregistered) 2009-09-28 19:31:10 i have a set of convicts, they are on there second batch of fry now, but the father has been beating on the mother. the father has beaten the mother so bad that she looked like she was going to die. can anyone give me some input on why this is happening??? Reply 1   0

eggs wont hatch andrew (Unregistered) 2009-10-01 19:05:10 my Convicts have laid eggs 5 times now and i still do not have a hatch. the day after they lay they both begin to eat the eggs. can someone give me advice on this. Are they both females or something. anyone i have talked to has no idea? Reply 0   0

convict fry brenber9 (Registered) 2009-10-12 10:04:04 I have hundreds of fry swimming around. Do I leave them with parents? The female does not let them out of her site. How do I get food to them? The female keeps them all in a very small area. If one strays, she gets it and brings it back to the pot. I know they won't all make it, but will some? When would be best time to remove them to another tank? They are about 3 days old. Thanks. Reply 0   0

blood parrot brenber9 (Registered) 2009-10-15 15:59:28 does anyone know anything about the parrot cichlid? I have a pair and they are protecting a batch of eggs. I heard the male is infertial. If by some chance these eggs are good, how long till they hatch? Reply 0   0

Cichlid specialist katalyst1488 (Unregistered) 2009-11-27 14:47:20 Actually for those speaking of mouth brooders(BONE), stating that cichlids are NOT mouth brooders is rediculous! ALL cichlids from jewels to oscars to jack dempsey's and specially Convicts are indeed mouth brooders....If you ever noticed maybe youd know, the FEMALE not the MALE is the transporter. she will scoop them up in her mouth and replant them wherever she feels needed, fanning them and taking care of the eggs them selves while the MALE guards the territory. and once they actually hatch your other fish, even you for that matter better stear clear of the eggs as he will attack anything that approaches. Reply 0   0

don cross (Unregistered) 2009-12-10 23:26:31 i once breed an albino convict with the black convict. the result was a pink convict with dark black stripes. it looked pretty cool. ive ben a huge cichlid fan for abot 11 years now Reply 0   0

HUNGREE (Unregistered) 2009-12-23 09:37:29 JUST WONDERING WHY MY CONVICT IS SO LIGHT..HE LOOKS LIKE ALL GREY...PLZ HELP.... Reply 0   0

PAIRING AND MATING TERESA (Unregistered) 2009-12-30 11:39:11 I WAS WANTING TO GET ANOTHER CONVICT BUT THE GUY AT THE FISH STORE HAS ADVISED ME AGAINST IT. HE SAYS THAT THEY ARE WORSE THAN ROACHES WHEN THEY MATE. HE SAYS THAT OUR FISH TANK WILL BE OVER RUN WITH THEM.I REALLY LIKE THESE FISH BUT I AM AFRID OF HAVING TOO MANY AT ONE TIME. THEN AGAIN SOMEONE ELSE TOLD ME THAT THEY EAT THEIR YOUNG. WHO IS TELLING ME THE TRUTH. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS? Reply 0   0

New convicts Dom (Unregistered) 2010-01-15 14:46:16 I just got a pair of convicts and put them in a 20 gallon by themselves. The problem im having is that the larger of the two always chases around the smaller one and if im not mistaken the larger one is a female cuz it has the colors on its sides unlike the smaller one. Can someone give me some advice with this? Reply 0   0

.. Carl (Unregistered) 2010-04-10 17:05:52 HOw long does it take for a convict cichlid to grow full size Reply 0   0

convict cichlids Rachel (Unregistered) 2010-04-21 20:31:06 I have a male and female convict cichlid. they have had their 2nd batch of fry, and each time the male chases the female away once the fry are about 4 days old. The male is injuring the female cichlid even though she does not approach him or the fry once he has chased her away. Recently I have put her in a guppy trap to protect her from the male. He still trys to confront her through the trap. My cichlids are in a 38 gal tank, with 3 rosy barbs. the Barbs are not bothering the fry, as the male is keeping them in order as well. Why does the male fight the female away everytime. Reply 0   0

rob (Unregistered) 2010-05-15 21:29:30 the convict is a american ciclid it lays the eggs on the rock it does not ever hold eggs in their mouth african ciclads are the mouth breeders Reply 0   0

convict cichlid with eggs cliff0114 (Registered) 2010-07-11 19:49:26 I have one convict in my tank. Today I noticed eggs on the glass in the back. Is it possible for them to hatch without the male to fertilize them? The other thing that was odd, I also have a yellow lab in the tank. The convict and yellow was dancing around last night, I thought it was odd. can the yellow lab actually fertilize the eggs? Reply 0   0

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