Hey there, I'm pretty new to keeping cichlids but I may have come across an oddity already. I disregarded the warnings about mixing African and South American cichlids because of the complementary behaviors of my species.(Convicts and Electric Yellows) The results have been fantastic! The non-territorial labs are simply staying away from the declared territory of the convicts and except for the occasional attempt by a lab at fresh convict fry for lunch, the two species get along very well. The interesting thing is this. The Labs (mouth brooders) have managed to spit out their fry in the mass of convict fry and the convicts have accepted the lab fry into their brood! Is this normal? I've heard of several species of bird that do this but never fish. Besides, the convicts are so protective I can't understand how they would allow the mix to occur. I haven't read of any similar occurences.
Yellow Lab and Convict Fry at Peace
- Thread starter jimmycochran
- Start date
Well it kind of makes sense... if the convicts are so protective of fry they might not even notice a different species in there, especially if they are all the same age. Its just like the mouthbrooders of Tangynika and the synodontis multi catfish... the catfish lay thier eggs with the mouthbrooders and then the cichlids will hold the catfish eggs in thier mouth, not realizing they are different.
And yes, mixing these fish is a bad idea. Convicts are way too aggressive for yellow labs. Its not really the 'behavioral' differenences that are the problem though, its the fact that the water chemistry and diet of these fish is very different. They might survive but wont thrive in improper conditions.
-Diana
And yes, mixing these fish is a bad idea. Convicts are way too aggressive for yellow labs. Its not really the 'behavioral' differenences that are the problem though, its the fact that the water chemistry and diet of these fish is very different. They might survive but wont thrive in improper conditions.
-Diana
You never know with cichlids though, how do we know that out of that batch of fry you may not some laid back convicts? (yeah a swimming contradiction yes I know! lol) but stranger things have happened!
This sounds really interesting jimmy, oh and Welcome to AC!
This sounds really interesting jimmy, oh and Welcome to AC!
cyberbeer65
Scratch Glass!
I posted a huge reply and got logged out before I could post it. I don't want to re type it so I'm summarizing.
I'm totally amazed and fascinated by the fry situation! That's Great!
Mixing Convicts and Y. Labs:
Behavior- They are very dynamic and energetic. Convicts dance with each other frequently guard babies constantly. Labs move almost constantly and are a little timid, but, coordinate attacks on the fry often (little success, but amazing to watch!)
Health- All fish have flawless fins and show no blemishes or lethargy
Diet- I originally fed them separate diets according to what I've read and found them sharing diets anyway. I have since switched them to European Mix (shrimp, peas and spirulina) and cannot believe the boost in energyand coloration. The female convict is covered in bright blue/green and scarlet and the labs can change from bright yellow to a metallic blue! All eat right from my hand jumping out of the water before I can even let go of the food.
Water- I keep the PH at 8.0 and the temp at 78-82 degrees F. I do frequent water changes. 25% weekly+ 50% at the end of the month.
I know I could have just gotten lucky choosing these fish; I originally meant for the mix to be temporary and may eventually end up separating them again but I need a good idea of what to place in the tank with the convicts. Without the Labs to draw their attention I'm afraid that they'll put an end to my Pleco. What other concerns should I have with this combination? What other fish would work with The Yellow Labs? I really appreciate any suggestions!
I'm totally amazed and fascinated by the fry situation! That's Great!
Mixing Convicts and Y. Labs:
Behavior- They are very dynamic and energetic. Convicts dance with each other frequently guard babies constantly. Labs move almost constantly and are a little timid, but, coordinate attacks on the fry often (little success, but amazing to watch!)
Health- All fish have flawless fins and show no blemishes or lethargy
Diet- I originally fed them separate diets according to what I've read and found them sharing diets anyway. I have since switched them to European Mix (shrimp, peas and spirulina) and cannot believe the boost in energyand coloration. The female convict is covered in bright blue/green and scarlet and the labs can change from bright yellow to a metallic blue! All eat right from my hand jumping out of the water before I can even let go of the food.
Water- I keep the PH at 8.0 and the temp at 78-82 degrees F. I do frequent water changes. 25% weekly+ 50% at the end of the month.
I know I could have just gotten lucky choosing these fish; I originally meant for the mix to be temporary and may eventually end up separating them again but I need a good idea of what to place in the tank with the convicts. Without the Labs to draw their attention I'm afraid that they'll put an end to my Pleco. What other concerns should I have with this combination? What other fish would work with The Yellow Labs? I really appreciate any suggestions!
Well it seems you've engineerd the tank around the yellow labs, or africans in general, so you should probebly move the convicts like you've said you would. Health issues from improper diet and water chemistry are rarely seen immeditately, it often takes months or even years before the effect is seen (if its seen at all- its often debated). I try to make my tanks as natural as possible so therefore i try to provide the proper conditions for each fish.
Anyways, with yellow labs you can pretty much keep all Malawis with them. I wouldn't keep overly aggressive mbuna or larger predetory haps, but the common stuff is usually ok.
You didnt mention what size tank this is?
-Diana
Anyways, with yellow labs you can pretty much keep all Malawis with them. I wouldn't keep overly aggressive mbuna or larger predetory haps, but the common stuff is usually ok.
You didnt mention what size tank this is?
-Diana
I don't want to sound dumb, but personally if this mix is good, why fix what ain't broke? I mean this all depends on the tank size, and if the fish get older, are they still going to get along of course 
The tank is actually sort of unique. It's a 38 gallon acrylic But it is an octagonal coffee table and has the same surface area on the bottom as a tank of about 2.5x the volume. The fish are not crowded and if they start showing signs I will definitely take steps.
So you are Definitely of the opinion that I should separate the species?
So you are Definitely of the opinion that I should separate the species?
Oh yeah..the convicts are 2.75" and 2.25" and the yellows are 2" and 1.75" the pleco is about3.25" but grows as you watch him.