What to look for

[bball4life]

Hey all! I have setup my convict tank I'm ready to get them tomorrow, I am getting 1 male and 1 female. How can I tell if 2 cons have formed a bond, and how long will it take them to spawn? Anything will help, if anyone has any suggestions PLEASE tell me.

[ROLLIN]

Getting only 2 has a tendancy to not work. Get at least 6 (depending on tank size) and let them pair themselves up. Take the rest back to the lfs.

[bball4life]

how many should I get if my tank is 29 gallons?

[butterflylove]

i would say about 4 females and 3 males. otherwise the male may be very annoying to the females. (as most are j/k ;) )

[bball4life]

I have almost just set up the tank, should I still get that many?

[qtaquaman]

I suggest two females to one male. There really isn't space for more esspecially if there nearing adult size.The store my not want to take back the rejects. As they tend to be fairly devoted parents I'd try one male to one female first. They breed readily so a pair bond is likely. If no bond or the male overly harrasses the female(to damage) get another female. With two female though the reject better have hiding places.

[bball4life]

That is what I was thinking of doing, but how can I tell if a male and a female has formed a bond?

[benedick]

if you are getting them from a community of sexually matured convicts, looks for female and male defending a territory together and chasing the others away.