Can I Add Convict Cichlids

[shelaghfishface]

hia
ive been offered 4 convict cichlids,by a friend giving it all up,i have never kept these before,i have 3 tanks that they could go in ( i mean with room in)

forgot to add that my PH is 6.8


tank 1#
98 litre
gouramis-3
plec-1
5 barbs


tank 2#
125 litres( 48x15x16)
4 clown loach
1 common plec
1 siamese fighting fish

tank 3#
88 litre
4 platies

i have read ( i googled the name) that cichlids are aggressive, so if they wont go in any,then its not the end of the world, they will have to go somewhere else,but i have looked at them and they are nice looking fish,great characters,he has qite a few so the sex of the fish is to be decided on what you guys say.

thanks in advance,and hope you are all enjoying your easter eggs

 

[shroob]

They are definately aggressive, and can't really see space in your set ups for 4 cons. Then theres the problem if you get a pair, which you most probably will if theres atleast 1 of each sexes. Then the aggression goes up a notch and they would definately make your other fishes lifes hard, if not take them.


If you really wanted convicts then possibly set up 2 could house a pair but I would strongly recommend rehoming your betta. The CL and plec should be able to stand up to the cons aggression but really unless you have plans for the babies I don't think it will be worth it.

 

[bluetrane2028]

I started with 14 Convicts, and now I'm down to 2 with a mess of fry. When they reproduce, they get NASTY to the other fish. I would get at minimum a 20gal long (US) tank, let the 4 be in there, and wait until a pair forms. The parenting behaviors of those fish are amazing to watch, I suggest that everyone tries keeping Cons at least once! I know you already have 4 tanks... but really what's one more? They're hardy enough to survive a cycle, so you don't really have to worry about throwing them in there on short notice.

 

[shelaghfishface]

I started with 14 Convicts, and now I'm down to 2 with a mess of fry. When they reproduce, they get NASTY to the other fish. I would get at minimum a 20gal long (US) tank, let the 4 be in there, and wait until a pair forms. The parenting behaviors of those fish are amazing to watch, I suggest that everyone tries keeping Cons at least once! I know you already have 4 tanks... but really what's one more? They're hardy enough to survive a cycle, so you don't really have to worry about throwing them in there on short notice.

and now im tempted, just happen to have a spare 4 ft in the garage, theres no rush the friend thats giving them to me is in no hurry, he has topart with them due to a nagging wife,so i think it would be sweet revenge to string it out a bit anyways lol....im seriously tempted

thanks for your replies xxxxx

 

[bluetrane2028]

With a 4ft tank, you might be able to get away with keeping all four, if you provide enough hiding spots.

 

[Tobigara]

With a 4ft tank, you might be able to get away with keeping all four, if you provide enough hiding spots.

if you want to make your friends wife wait, take your time with the setup and cycling the tank. just like bluetrane says 4 cons in a 4' should work space wise but by personality it might not. keep an eye on them and it should be ok