How long does it take for convicts to breed?
The convict cichlid can reach sexual maturity as young as 16 weeks, though sexual maturity more commonly occurs at 6 months. Sexually mature convicts form monogamous pairs and spawn in small caves or crevices.
How long is a convict cichlid pregnant?
How Long Do Cichlids Hold Their Eggs? A female cichlid will hold eggs in her body for around 6 weeks before laying them. The clutch can contain up to 30 eggs per cycle. In mouthbrooding cichlids, once the eggs are hatched, they’re incubated in the mouth for around 3 weeks.
What temperature do convict cichlids breed?
Temperature: 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit. Water flow: low if possible. Lighting: not necessary. Setup: gravel with flowerpot in middle of tank.
How many babies can a Convict Cichlid have?
Once the male has fertilized the eggs, the female will guard the eggs and the male will guard the perimeter. After 4 days you can expect the eggs to hatch and you will get around 30 little Convicts!
How do convict cichlids have babies?
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. The fry will begin to hatch in a few days, and after about a week, the convict cichlid parents will begin to herd the tiny fry around the tank.
How do baby convict cichlids eat?
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. At least 3 times a day will be enough.
How long does it take for cichlid eggs to hatch?
between 10-15 days
The eggs will hatch between 10-15 days after fertilization. The female then hold the babies in her mouth for up to two more weeks, occasionally letting them out to feed them.
How to breed convict cichlids?
Breeding convict cichlids is as easy as setting up a simple aquarium and successfully getting a breeding pair. Parameters like water temperature, water quality, and tank size aren’t nearly as vital to this type of fish as they are with many other aquarium species. In other words, convicts can breed in almost any reasonable environment.
What size tank do you need to breed convict cichlids?
A 30-gallon tank is ideal for one pair of breeding convicts. If you have the space, a 40-gallon breeder tank is ideal, especially if you’re planning to breed more than one pair of convict cichlids. Make sure that you don’t exceed more than one breeding pair per 20 gallons (75.7 L) of water.
What is the mating cycle of a convict?
The female convict will take the initiative in the mating cycle. After choosing a dark hiding place, the female courts the male, then lays her eggs on the flat rocks or on the side of a flower pot. Once laid, the eggs will be carefully guarded by their parents.
What do convict cichlids look like?
Convict cichlids have average-sized ventral and pectoral fins that are fairly see-through. Their anal fins begin at the midpoint of their body and stop at the beginning of the caudal peduncle. Both their dorsal and anal fins dangle back a bit like a sail. This causes a neat visual effect when they swim and makes it quite fun to watch them.