Convict Tank Mates

[jazz298]

What other (smallish) cichlids are compatible with black convicts? 5-6 inches preferably

 

[shroob]

Firemouths spring to mind.

 

[jazz298]

I thought of that too but I've read they don't work together?

Also, if they did go ok together (if someone could let me know that would be great) would one of each be okay? Or would I have to get pairs, trios or groups???

one more question, I am assuming the answer is no, but can kenyi cichlids be tank mates with convicts?

 

[jazz298]

Alsoooo, am i able to purchase small 1-2" juvenile cichlids, and put them into my semi aggressive tank until my cich tank is fully established, which will be soon, by the end of this month. Does this depend on the type of cichlid?

I ask this because my lfs seems to sell out of something and then take FOREVER to get them back in stock..

 

[chaos557]

I don't know the answer. But I would like to know too...

 

[PRW1988]

Convict cichlids are an extremly terroitorial breed IME, they'll fight back even against things like Oscars, Jack dempseys and Green terrors.

As far as tank mates go, Salvini cichlids are fine but they get rather large (10"+ I believe), Jack Dempseys would be fine (I believe only 8") as would most other species of cichlids that can hold their ground, blood parrots or JB parrots come to mind, the only issue is that you may end up with a hybrid, if they breed.

I do not recommend adding them to the Semi-agressive tank, especially if you have slower moving fish such as Angels and Gouramis. The convicts, no matter how small, are still extremly territorial.

 

[Meds081603]

I have kept them with firemouths without ever having problems. I even had a breeding firemouth/convict pair. Twice I have tried jd's with convicts. One time it worked, one time it didnt.

 

[jazz298]

Okay, so would one of each breed be fine, say a convict and a firemouth be ok or do i have to get pairs

 

[Tobigara]

i'd say one of each unless you know for a fact what sex they are. if you get a male and female convict they will form a breeding pair. then they'll kill everything in the tank.

 

[Davo86]

IME convicts aren't too aggresive if kept alone, as for firemouths i would probably keep a pair, alternatively if you have the room you could add a Blue Acara or Green Terror

 

[jazz298]

My tank is probably too small for a green terror. actually I know it is, unless I had it alone and just one fish. I think I am going to try the african cich's though. I still dont really know, cichlids are confusing and there is so much to think about when getting them. If I had a bigger tank, I'd have way more options on what to get.
We'll see, I think I will either try a pair of firemouths and one convict, or the african's. The only thing is getting a pair is hard because they are all very young at the store so its hard to sex them right then and there. And I know that my pet store just throws them in a tank

 

[Tobigara]

if you want a breeding pair you should get 4-6 little ones. as they grow up they will pair off, keep the pairs return the rest

 

[jazz298]

well thats not really an option for me because they dont normally carry that many at once, and also i dont have the money to be buying 6 fish to only end up knowingly with only 2 in the end anyways

I have decided to go a different route with different species though, so i can have more then one or 2 fish in a tank. but thank you for all your replies

 

[grimmy]

ok these are what u can put in there Large Rosy Barb, Large Tiger Barb, Tinfoil Barb

Channel Catfish, Plecostomus Catfish, Pimodella Catfish, Porthole Catfi Blue Acara Cichlid, African Mouthbrooder, Convict Cichlid, Festae Cichlid, Firemouth Cichlid, Green Terror Cichlid, Jack Dempsey Cichlid, Manganese Cichlid, Pike Cichlid, Port Cichlid, Rainbow Cichlid, Red Devil Cichlid, Red Tilapia Cichlid, Salvani Cichlid, Sunray Cichlid, Texas Cichlid

Large Fire Eel

Large African Knifefish

Large Australian Rainbowfish

Black Shark, Iridescent Shark, Red Tail Shark, Red Rainbow Shark

lol alot of research on these because i to have convict ive been doing alot of reasearch

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

ok these are what u can put in there Large Rosy Barb, Large Tiger Barb, Tinfoil Barb

Channel Catfish, Plecostomus Catfish, Pimodella Catfish, Porthole Catfi Blue Acara Cichlid, African Mouthbrooder, Convict Cichlid, Festae Cichlid, Firemouth Cichlid, Green Terror Cichlid, Jack Dempsey Cichlid, Manganese Cichlid, Pike Cichlid, Port Cichlid, Rainbow Cichlid, Red Devil Cichlid, Red Tilapia Cichlid, Salvani Cichlid, Sunray Cichlid, Texas Cichlid

Large Fire Eel

Large African Knifefish

Large Australian Rainbowfish

Black Shark, Iridescent Shark, Red Tail Shark, Red Rainbow Shark

lol alot of research on these because i to have convict ive been doing alot of reasearch

First off, how can you all suggest fish, before you know what size tank it is!?

Grimmy, do you know how big ID sharks and red tail sharks can get?


I would try some rainbows/danios, in a smaller tank, as they stay small, and are too quick for convicts.