How can you tell if a convict fish is male or female?
Telling the difference between a male and female Convict is very straight forward. Males will be longer and generally have larger dorsal and anal fins. Unusually for fish, the females will have a brighter coloration, with yellow/red spots on their belly once they are sexually mature.
What does a female convict cichlid look like?
Females Have An Orange Belly Female bellies turn a beautiful shade of orange as they mature and their bodies prepare for breeding. Specks of orange can also be seen in the dorsal fins. So, if you see your convict cichlid has an orange belly, it means tiny fry will soon be on their way.
Do female convict cichlids fight?
The male and female may fight with each other, and males have even been known to cannibalize their own offspring and mates, said Dechaume-Moncharmont.
Do convict fish lay eggs?
In the wild, the fish excavate caves by moving earth from underneath large stones. Females adhere eggs to the walls of the cave. Like most cichlids, such as Oreochromis mossambicus, convicts brood (exhibit parental care of) both eggs and free-swimming fry. The eggs hatch approximately 72 hours after fertilization.
Why is my male convict cichlid chasing the female?
Cichlids become aggressive when they are mating: The dominant male chases other males and his female mate. Cichlids that chase each other in a frenzy are most likely performing the ritual mating dance.
How do I know if my convict cichlids are mating?
Pre-Spawning Cues One of the most obvious signs that your cichlids are about to breed is when their colors intensify. This may be more noticeable in the female since female convict cichlids typically take the lead in breeding, preparing a spawning site in the tank and enticing the male to join her there.
How often do convict fish breed?
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.
How often do convicts lay eggs?
Brood care of eggs, larvae and free-swimming juveniles in the wild can last 4 to 6 weeks, and occurs only once per season for the majority of females.
How do convict fish have babies?
Once their territory has been staked out, the female will deposit her eggs on a clay pot, and the male will fertilize them. The parents will diligently guard the eggs, with the male chasing away anything that comes close to the nest, while the female stays close to the eggs.
Do convict cichlids 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.)