How Many Convicts In A 55 Gallon?

[Raechal]

I have a 55 gallon and I definitely want to keep cichlids in it.

Ever since I have owned cichlids, I can't go back to owning anything else. They just have such great personalities.

I have an empty 55 gallon that is now cycled and I am working on setting it up with plants and caves and what not.

I was thinking keeping a few convicts

or maybe firemouths.

Is this possible?

I know convicts become extremely aggressive when they breed, would they be able to live with a firemouth? or would he be way too peaceful to stand a chance against the convicts?

what do you think?

 

[Raechal]

?

 

[caboose_122]

im not sure but i think convicts and firemouths can hybridize and i have heard of convicts killing everything in the tank once they start to breed, i would go with a group of firemouths instead of convicts, i dont think tht firemouths would stand a chance when the convicts start to breed either.

alex

 

[Raechal]

im not sure but i think convicts and firemouths can hybridize and i have heard of convicts killing everything in the tank once they start to breed, i would go with a group of firemouths instead of convicts, i dont think tht firemouths would stand a chance when the convicts start to breed either.

alex

Thanks. I really like them both but have never kept them before so I don't know which fish I would like better.

Hmm. I guess I will just have to decide at the lfs when I go.

 

[tahneen]

I think that firemouths might be better as they are very interesting when they puff up
but convicts are very sweet looking and I absolutly love my female con
so I think this has to be a very hard choice

 

[Raechal]

I think that firemouths might be better as they are very interesting when they puff up
but convicts are very sweet looking and I absolutly love my female con
so I think this has to be a very hard choice

I have seen adult cons and they look so adorable. Especially the pink variety.

I do not know which to pick at all. haha.

They both have cute baby firemouths and cons at my lfs.

 

[shroob]

I would be tempted to do a pair of each personally. Have clearly defined territories at opposite ends of the tank, with a 'divider' in the middle, that breaks the line of sight (could be some bogwood with tall plants or something).

Yes cons are more aggressive than FM's, but I should think a pair of FM's could handle it. If you are going down this route, I would try and get a pair, not just two fish.

 

[bluetrane2028]

I've become quite attached to my cons... I'd suggest them alone.

 

[Talleyrand]

Five convicts turn into 200 REALLY quick too!
Convicts are really cool to watch, especially taking care of their young. They breed like mad.