New Female Convict

[Mystix212]

Just got a female convict a put it in a 18G with a BN pleco, caves, live and plastic plants. Anyhoo its 1.5" and I was just wondering how long untill I put a male in there.

I was thinking about 3 weeks for territory sakes but 3 months for her to grow a bit.

Any ideas?

 

[ox5477]

Whenever putting two cichlids together, no matter if same species or not, it is always better to put them in together as gives them both an equal opportunity to establish territory. One at time will allow the original fish to claim the whole tank, and then when the new fish is added, it is in the original fishes territory and fighting insues.

 

[Mystix212]

Well you see, I got the female first because the males are more aggressive and territorial so I give time for the female to 'settle in' then I add a male. But she's a bit too small to start breeding yet. Maybe another .5-1" on her and will be.

 

[Nevergone815]

Cons can breed as small as 1.5"-2" in size. The female may not give up her territory and will fight with the male too much. You need to take the female out and rearrange the tank and then put the male into the tank at the same time as her. This is the only way that you will have the best odds of the 2 mating without fighting to much. If the male or female is placed in and established territory, then one may be seriously injured or killed. Putting them in the same time allows them to pair off and establish a territory together, thus no fighting amongst them, besides the initial pairing and the here and there love squabbles. I hope that helps !

 

[Mystix212]

Thanks for opening my mind.

Cheers