Convict Tankmates.

[Leot]

Hey all, ive been doing some reading around, and im looking at getting some convicts (they are cute and my local aquarium has a pair for pretty cheap) however ive read what seems to be contradictory information as to they temperement.. some sites say they are aggresive and you need to watch your other fish, others say they are fine...

Who do I beleive??

The tank im planning to put them in will be 3ftx2ftx1.5ft (bargain at 90$AU)

Also ive read that they dig and eat plants.. will they be ok with java fern/moss and maybe some of the sword type plants?

Thanks


EDIT: Fergot to ask what sort of fish are ussually ok to keep with them
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No fishies yet, but SOON!

 

[thecichlidaddict]

Convicts that are not breeding are not very aggressive, they generally keep to themselves. Convicts that are breeding are one of the most aggressive cichlids that you will come across.

If you are keeping them as a breeding pair your choice of tankmates is pretty small, as they will defend their breeding ground with everything they have. If you are just going to keep one, then your choices for tankmates are wide open and include both other cichlids and many community fish.

 

[BLOCKA]

i have to disagree on them not being aggressive when not breeding i have a few pair and some singles io breed them to feed my larger cichlids.....they are just as mean as when in pairs......pound for pound they are pretty tough for there size..

 

[parker313]

I kept a convict in a tank with tiger barbs and a gourami, among other things and it was just fine.

 

[Ben]

becareful with these dudes. i had him ina comunity tank and in three days he had taken over 3 quarters of the tank.i had to take him back cuz all my ppooor fishies were so scared hiding in the corner and he was smaller then most of them!

 

[EX-AmP]

cons like other cichlids vary, but if breeding they ALL fight like heavweight monsters