so.... question about convicts

L

loserkid

Complete Newb..
Jan 31, 2005
79
0
0
41
I went into my LFS, looking to buy a pair of convicts. According to the guy there, they were too young to tell exactly which were males and which were females, so he gave me 3 convicts. Since getting them in my tank, I've come to the conclusion that at least one is female (her colors darkened when she got into the tank and her orange belly was visible). The other two, well, I'm not too sure about them. I know convicts are supposed to be kept in pairs, what do you think of this situation of having this third wheel in there?

*edit*
Ok, I still don't know for sure , but I think the other two are males, even tho both of them are smaller than the female. I can definetly see the orange belly on the larger of the 3, the other two lack the orange.
 
Last edited:
I think you should be fine for now. Once the two pair off, they will most likly attack the other male since he would be considered a threat. Just make sure you have a tank divider, or can quickly give him back to the petstore once the two pair. I had 2 convicts and it was amazing to watch them take care of thier fry. If I had a second tank, it would be the first fish I would get for it.
 
I too have kept numerous Convicts, and what I have learned about them is if theres a male and a female in the group, normally they will pair. They do get very aggresive when ready to breed so do as told above and separate or remove other fish. It is quite unique having a group of them. I had a dozen of them in a 55 gal. and had 2 pairs constantly breeding. Pretty cool to watch them sort it all out. Very cool fish, I think you'll be pretty happy with them.
 
I'm really enjoying watching the convicts, theyre a lot more entertaining than my gouramis were. I can already tell which two are going to apir oiff,so I may have to get rid of the third one pretty soon, my LFS is good about taking fish back (especially since it was their idea to give me 3)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom