Breeding Convict Cichlids

dturano2005

dturano2005

AC Members
Jan 30, 2005
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Breeding Convict Cichlids (pics of eggs)

Hi,

I have had my 55g tank setup for almost a year now. a while ago I noticed my two convict cichlids would hang out in the back corner all the time. I didnt think anything of it until I looked about a week ago and noticed that a lot of little guys were swimming all over the corner the convict cichlids were hanging out. I dont have a breeding net or any other device to seperate them in so i would have to wait till the next day to get something at the pet store. Many of them hid in a little pot I had in my tank but as I figured by morning they were all gone. Next time I will be prepared.

I was just surprised they even made it that far, I could clearly see they were little convict cichlids swimming around. I figured none of my fish would breed because of the other fish in the tank.

Fish:
1 red oscar
1 firemouth cichlid
2 green texas cichlid
2 Convict Cichlids
1 jack dempsy
Catfish
and a couple more fish I can't think of right now.
 
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NO need for a breeding net, the parents will guard and watch over the fry. Convicts breed with little effort, just get a pair in a tank and wait a few days.
 
Good to know, I was pumped to see those little guys swimming around. Im going to give it a try, I have a backup tank all setup.
 
If you do remove the fry from the tank to another, it is very likely the parents will spawn again, within 3 days even.
 
If you want to raise succesful fry, it is as simple as getting a second 20g tank and putting mom and dad in their. If you do not want the second tank you will have to learn to live with the fact that the fry are gonna get eaten. But one way to look at it is your other fish are getting a good diet.

It is definately best to keep breeding convicts in a tank by themselves. Even with Oscars and JD and Terrors, Convicts can raise mortal hell in a tank when they have eggs and babies. I would rate a fry rearing pair of Convicts as among the nastiest of fishes when it comes to protecting their young.

Even a basic no frills 20g is adequate to put a breeding pair of convicts. Filter, water, heater and a large rock or other object and within days you have more eggs.
 
Once the eggs hatch whats the best to save a few and how hard will be to raise them. Feeding, how long before I can introduce them into the tank, etc...
 
The absolute BEST way is to remove them. Perhaps try to net them and put them in another tank. Perhaps try to move the clay pot into another tank by themselves. If you do not have another tank already setup it may be too late.

A suitable fry tank can be had for less than you may think. A suitable fry tank could consist of a 10g tank with a heater, sponge filter (air pump and a sponge filter attachment for a total of $10) and water. This would allow you the opprotunity to raise the fry for at least a few months before need to find a more suitable home......unless you wanted to use them as feeders.
 
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