Convicts...Tell me about them

[gmoses]

I just got a free 55 gallon tank with filters heater tops etc... the catch i have to care fro the big barb the plecos and the 2 convicts. What can you tell me about these fish? Proper temperature, feeding, anything would be very helpful. I will do some research but you guys always give me the low down really on point

[joe_jaskot]

Did the convicts spawn in the bag on the way home? LOL! Convicts (cryptoheros nigrofasciatus) are one of the easiest Central American cichlids to keep and breed. Really a good beginners fish. Grow to about 6". Normal tank temperatures in the 70s. Eat almost anything. Typical substrate spawner. Can be a bit aggressive and will defend their young after spawning. Lots of people use the fry as feeders. Sometimes hard to give the fry away because nobody wants them.

[evojoey]

I think Joe nailed it. They are a great beginner cichlid and are super easy to care for. To get them to breed, just add water. They'll eat anything you throw at them. Sex can be distinguished by an orange belly on the females. The males are generally colorless, unless you get your hands on a wild one.

[CrypticLifeStyle]

They are also major pain's in the butt to own too if you arn't prepared for them...They may or may not kill the other fish in the tank but i will guarantee major attitude issues when they spawn which they will do all the time..

[Picklefish]

Rabbits of the fish world. I used to gutload fry with veggies and spirulina that my predatory fish would't eat and then feed them to the predatory fish.

[twisted fisher]

my first cichli

were highly active in the love making

drove my mom crazy with millions of fry

are a soft spot in my heart still

[exasperatus2002]

They're aquatic roaches & just as hard to kill. Great beginners fish. Good to have around if you have predatory fish like oscars that appreciate live food. You'll need to do something with all the fry they put out.