what to look for when buying a convict pair?

[duendecillo]

I'm going to buy a pair of convicts, finally!
I was wondering what I should look for to get a good pair. Getting more young convicts is not possible, I don't have the room for them.
So I want to get a matching pair.
What about the colour, should they be dark? or pale?
And the size?

any help is much appreciated!!

 

[impur]

If you are getting them small (2-4") it doesn't really matter. When they get large they might change colors anyway. Just keep your WC's up, use quality foods, and some good ole TLC

Oh yah and to be sure you get a pair, best way is to get about 5 or 6 of them and wait till 2 pair off. Then return the rest to the LFS or to another tank.

 

[duendecillo]

sorry if it's a stupid question, but what does TLC mean?

and I can only buy 2, what is the chance that they will pair off?

 

[wrs]

they will kill ur other fish probly. guppies and platties

 

[iloveyou]

the killing other fish thing... im sure he means he has another tank to put the pair in...


anyways..

i tried to find a powerfull dominant male, and a dominant female...

so they will be impressed with each other... which they were, and they bred...

usually vibrant colors means they want to mate.... mine get darker in their darker areas...

buying 6 probably isnt neccessary...

if u just get 2, they will most likely breed.. mine did.

 

[EX-AmP]

with a pair of cons the breeding instructions are just add water

 

[LIVEBait]

with a pair of cons the breeding instructions are just add water

I agree

When I bought my breeding pair, I lucked out.
There were about 20 juvi cons about 1-2 in. in size, and in the back of the tank was an established pair doing their thing, the other twenty or so were swimming against the glass as if to say, " feed me...Feed me!"

I ended up getting the pair in the back of the tank.

 

[duendecillo]

thanx everyone for the help!!
I have indeed a tank for them alone...

the cons in the lfs aren't really juveniles, I think they are adult size, I hope that's not a problem?

 

[EX-AmP]

no but they will breed faster with a cave

 

[impur]

If they are adults you can sex them much easier. The females have an orange belly.

TLC = tender loving care