How Long Do Convict Fish Get in the USA

Males will grow up to 6 inches long and females to 4.5 inches. They are a small fish that don’t require much tank space; the minimum recommended size is 30 gallons. Generally for beginners, they should only be placed in a tank with other convicts due to their aggressive and territorial nature.

How big does a convict fish get?

The average convict cichlid size is around 4-5 inches when fully grown. These fish are rather small compared to other cichlid species. The advantage of this is it means you can keep them in smaller tanks than other species as well.

How long does it take for Convict cichlids to grow to full size?

That depends on the fish, but most convict cichlids take about 2-3 years to reach full size.





At what size do convict cichlids breed?

20-Gallon Long: Measuring in with a length of 30 inches, this is the smallest tank that you’ll be able to breed Convicts in. Personally, I still feel that 20 gallons is too small, but many fish keepers are successful maintaining a single breeding pair in this size aquarium. 30-Gallon Breeder: AKA 30-Gallon Long.

Do convicts eat their babies?

(As a note, your Convict Cichlid pair may eat their babies the first few spawns. They are new parents and are still trying to figure everything out, this is normal.)Jul 28, 2017.

How aggressive are convict cichlids?

If you’ve ever seen Convict Cichlids before you could be forgiven for thinking of them as having a timid temperament. However they are extremely territorial and will be very hostile and aggressive, if fish enter ‘their’ territory. Generally speaking they do not make a good choice for a community tank.

Can convicts live with Oscars?

Black Convict Cichlids usually stay under six inches or so, but they still make great Oscar tank mates. Convict are tough, hardy, and fierce enough to hold their own against an Oscar. That said, a Convict will be perfectly fine in you Oscar tank as long there isn’t too big of a size difference.

When should I remove convict fry?

If you are able to determine that your cichlids do not typically care for their young it is best to remove the adults from the tank as soon as spawning is complete. When your cichlid fry are first hatched they will not require much space – they will simply need a safe environment in which to spend their first days.

Do convict cichlids mate for life?

Convict cichlids mate for life and cooperate to raise young, with females tending the eggs while males patrol for danger, said Dechaume-Moncharmont.

How often do convict fish have babies?

In contrast, females in aquaria are known to breed many times per year with short intervals of 12 or 13 days between broods, as long as suitable rocks or similar surfaces are available for them to lay their eggs on.

What do baby convict fish eat?

It’s rare to lose a live Convict Cichlid fry. Once the eggs are hatched (usually around 3 – 5 days), you can begin feeding them some small brine shrimp or a crushed up fry food. Infusoria is also a great, healthy food for the fry to snack on. When the fry are young, it’s important that you feed them frequently.

How long are convict cichlids pregnant?

Convict cichlid eggs usually hatch within three to four days of spawning, and the fry will remain in a pit the female digs in the substrate for another few days until their yolk sacs are fully absorbed. Once the fry become free-swimming, the parents may begin to herd them around the tank.

Will Convict cichlids crossbreed?

This is easy to answer. Yes I have. Hybrids are quite common in the cichlid hobby. Almost any Central American cichlid will hybridize with any other.

Do convict cichlids have teeth?

Like all cichlids, the convict has well developed teeth located in its throat. The regular teeth are found in its mouth too. At the back of their pelvic, dorsal, anal and pectoral fins, are spiny rays that help keep predators at bay.

How often do you feed convict fish?

Cichlids should eat two or three times a day. They should be fed no more than what they can eat in about one to two minutes’ time.

Are convict fish aggressive?

Convicts are an aggressive and territorial species, forming monogamous pairs during spawning (Wisenden 1995; Barlow 2000). Convict cichlids have proven to be a useful model species in the study of animal behavior.

Do convict cichlids get lonely?

The Convict Cichlid lives alone for the most part. They only step out of their habitat to mate and lay eggs and are intensely territorial and aggressive.

How long can convict cichlids go without food?

While a collection of large, healthy cichlids can easily go seven to 10 days without fish food, an aquarium full of baby fish will need to be fed after a day or two.

Can Convict cichlids live with goldfish?

Cichlids are tropical fish and they thrive at temperatures from 24 – 30 °C so they are ideal aquarium fish. The difference in optimal temperature for cichlids versus goldfish makes the two types of fish incompatible so you can not expect these two types of fish to live in the same tank.

Can you put convict cichlids with Tiger barbs?

Like Giant Danios, Tiger Barbs are infamous fin-nippers and will cause problems for slow targets like Bettas. However they are excellent Convict Cichlid tank mates and by actively schooling they create an environment that encourages Convicts to be bolder.

How big do Pink Convict cichlids get?

Perfect for beginner aquarists, the Convict Cichlid is a relatively small fish that will grow up to around 15cm in length for males, and around 10cm in length for females. In their natural habitat, the Convict Cichlid can be found in streams and rivers across the entire length and breadth of Central America.

Can a Convict Cichlid killing other fish?

If a convict cichlid is placed with any species of non-aggressive fish, they will bully them relentlessly and may even kill them. A pair of breeding convicts will do their best to drive away or kill any fish they share a tank with, regardless of the size of the fish.

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