Joy44

Hi, My brother-in-law has a pair of convicts and decided to bring me two baby fry. Well he drove 3 hours with them in a fish bowl with about three inches of water and about two dozen gravel bits. He even left them in the car while he went into his grampa's house. When he handed me the bowl I could feel heat coming from the water. I had no idea that they were coming but I had a recent batch of platy fry and so I put them in their tank. The little guys couldn't even really swim the first two day. I am guessing they had just hatched! Now nearly a week later both of them are free swimming and eating. I just can't believe they made it! I doubt the ones left in the tank did. (he has more than the mating couple of convicts.) A three hour car ride, and trust me my brother-in-law's driving is enough to scare you when your buckled in! LOL. I just thought I would share this story because I just can't believe it! How long do you think they can stay with the platy?

Joy44

Just thought I would give an update to anyone who cares to know: I have the answer to my own question. My baby convicts are three weeks old and my platy are 4 weeks old. My convicts are about twice as big as most of my fry and they are already picking on them. I am currently cycling a 30 gallon tank for my little bullies. Does any one have suggestions for tankmates. I know what is suggested by this site but I was wondering what others may have had with them. Thanks.

Jim

I've heard Convicts are tough as nails... that's why they make great starter cichlids. As for tankmates, I wouldn't put them in with anything except other amazon cichlids. Even then I would be ready for some serious fighting. Cichlids are very agressive, even my angelfish, and those are the most peaceful of the Cichlid family.

lolagurl

that is an amzing story im glad they made it ..get them away from the fry though asap

Callum The Cat

BrianCB

Convicts are very agressive fish. I put two in my tank with oscars and jack dempseys and it was chaos in that tank.

I accidentally killed them though, put them in water that felt like bath water it was all my fault cause I wasnt paying attention to the temperature of the water and so they cooked after that I admit that the tank was alot more peaceful.

Callum The Cat

Shrimpy

i would put them with bigger cichlids

nicole

I have one convict in with severums, red jewels, pink firemouths and chocolate keyholes. He looks after himself really well actually he doesn't seem to get bothered at all.

Callum The Cat