Convict Compatability

[bendohhh]

Hey guys, sorry if this seems to bit of a noobie question but i've never kept convicts before so thought it'd be best to ask here before i bought some and regret the decision since people seem to know what they're talking about.

I've currently got a 4' long x 1' deep x 1.5' tall tank in my room which is roughly 162 litres and filtered with a sump holding roughly 54 litres. The tank currently has a red tail black shark and a platinum angel fish which are both around 4 inches.

So, i was wondering if i would be able to keep a pair of convicts without too much hassle?

I've read that a pair of convicts ideally requires 114 litres so i should in theory have enough extra room to minimise aggression between the fish.

Any help would be much appreciated,

Ben

[Kalen]

In my opinion convicts are way too aggressive to be housed in the same tank as an angelfish - especially if you purchased more than one and a breeding pair is formed. Spawning convicts have been known to kill off tank mates much larger than they are.

[excuzzzeme]

For the tank size given it would work if they were the only fish in the tank. You would also need to provide separate "caves" for each one to call home. Even as a pair, they don't stay together 24/7 unless there are fry present. Failure to provide separate caves will likely result in the death of the female. I do not recommend them unless it is a species only tank or a larger tank with equally aggressive stock.

[Betta Bob]

A Firemouth or a Keyhole Cichlid should work well in there if you are interested making an addition. All Cichlids become aggressive when breeding, and if you have your heart set on Convicts one female might be an option for you as generally they are less aggressive than the males.

[Jerzboi]

:iagree:
a firemouth would be a nice addition and will def fend for him/herself

[bendohhh]

thanks for the input guys, really helpful, there's plenty of caves and places to hide so no problems there. i'll take a look at firemouths too and see what i think :)

cheers

[rockhoe14er]

A green terror could also be a nice addition but you would probably have to move him when he gets bigger.

[bendohhh]

thanks rockoe14er, most fish that seem to be quite common in american can be quite hard to find where i live so it would be difficult to get one.

i've recently upgraded to a 324 litre tank which is basically double the size of the other one, does anyone think it may work now or should i try something else?

[excuzzzeme]

Regardless of tank size, the issue will still arise "if" or"when" they mate. It should be ok as long as they have a breeding site away from all the other fish. I keep a cave on one end of the tank set up so only they are able to get into it and larger fish can't. This appears to work out well for my cons.

Convicts don't need "X" amount of water so much as they need space. Personal territory is their biggest concern. As long as they have a place away from the others they should be reasonably "happy".

[v3n0m]

In my opinion convicts are way too aggressive to be housed in the same tank as an angelfish - especially if you purchased more than one and a breeding pair is formed. Spawning convicts have been known to kill off tank mates much larger than they are.
i agree

[bendohhh]

i think i'll write this idea off then till i have more tanks :P

thanks guys

[excuzzzeme]

I wouldn't be to quick to write it off. Angelfish are cichlids as well. The problem comes in of possible fin-nipping by the cons. If you have an aggressive angel it might work. There is no firm rule of what will/will not work when it comes to con's behavior. The only thing predictable is their possible aggressiveness.

If you want to try this, by all means go for it but keep an eye out for the need to separate. I successfully kept 2 pair of cons with a pair of angels in a 100 gallon (380L) tank. The angels held their own and were not intimidated by the cons. I had other fish as well to help spread out aggression. Sometimes, too few fish in a tank are just as detrimental as too many. You will need to find a balance that works in your tank.

[bendohhh]

there seems to quite a few more variables in this than i had first considered. i need to get my new tank cycled first and consider the best option for me to choose whilst also considering the welfare of the fish i currently have, don't wanna be endangering their lives to have the thrill of some cheap babies.

thanks again

[sancro2]

most aggressive little fish I've ever kept had a pair in with a 13" oscar in a 6' tank lets just say the oscar didn't fair to well!