Convicts Cichlids Not Getting Along

I thought If you put a male and female together they would pair up and be buddies and defend each other , the complete opposite is happening instead of them tagging up its a free for all in my tank , 2 males and 1 female convict , originally had 1 male and 1 female but still didn't pair up so I added other male to pair with the female but no free for all also my jacks in there I just don't understand why they won't breed I've divided them too I just don't understand I see everyone online that it's hard to stop them from breeding but mine won't even pair up
ideas ?

 

I've never had breeding convicts act like buddies toward each other. Before they spawned, the male beat the tar out of the female. After the eggs were laid and the fry hatched, the female beat the tar out of the male. Convicts are not nice fish. Especially toward each other.

If you are sure you have a male and female just give them time. Also make sure you have something for the female to lay eggs on.

 

I've seen on YouTube were they would tag up and ️ defend each other and yes I have a clay put for them to have said eggs

have a look for yourself

 

That's great. Looks like you got your answer from YouTube.

Have fun with all the fry. It's really cool to see fish raise all those little babies.

 

thanks and that's what I'm waiting for little fry