hellpp! convicts too aggressive!!

**nickn313** · 07-17-2009, 06:29 AM

hey guys! :)
i have a 13g aquarium which i set up recently... got a pair of convicts... the bigger one chases the smaller one around all day!! And i noticed closely that both have orange bellies! well, it is kinda orange in color...so i suppose they are both females? why do they keep poking eachother?? there are enough of rocks and hiding places in there.. will post pics soon! thanx

**Little Embers** · 07-17-2009, 07:33 AM

I'm afraid to say nick, but that is what Convict cichlids will do. They are aggressive/territorial fish and may attack/chase each other, especially if they are in breeding mode. They may also just not get on with each other. I would advise getting a larger tank (30 gal.) for them if possible, even if they have places to hide, I do feel that a 13 gallon is too small for them.

**nickn313** · 07-17-2009, 07:44 AM

it would take quite some time till i get a bigger tank :( if i put in a male and transfer one of the females into my 5g tank wud it help?

**Little Embers** · 07-17-2009, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by nickn313

it would take quite some time till i get a bigger tank :( if i put in a male and transfer one of the females into my 5g tank wud it help?

I honestly don't think it would be a good idea to keep a convict in a 5 gall....they need far more space than that.

If you put a male in, you may still have the same problem IMO if they don't form a bonding pair, even if they do they can still be aggressive. They need to be able to claim a territory for themselves and that is where space is needed.

How long have you had them nick? If it has only been a couple of days or so, they may still need a bit of time to acclimitize to there surroundings and each other. Even a 20gall. would be better. Another option would be to keep just one Convict.

May I also ask if you have cycled the tank? Standard question that is always best asked from the onset, if it hasn't already been stipulated.

**nickn313** · 07-17-2009, 08:43 AM

its been just 3 days now since iv got them..... no, the tank hasnt been cycled :( gosh...im just learning all this now :( it would be a month till i get a bigger tank... returning the fish to the aq store isnt possible i guess as its very verryyy far away from my place :( wat do you suggest I should do until then? :|

**Little Embers** · 07-17-2009, 09:11 AM

I would advise reading this article first on "Cycling with Fish" by Lady Hobbs
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ad.php?t=36492
and if you haven't already, you do need to buy the test kits for Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate. Ammonia is produced by fish waste/urine and any decaying food and it is toxic to fish and until you have enough bacteria to deal with it, you need to monitor the water by using the test kit, on a regular basis and do partial water changes to keep the ammonia level down.

**Northernguy** · 07-17-2009, 01:40 PM

Welcome to the Fabulous AC!
Here is a link to more info about your fish.
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/cichlid/convict.php

I also suggest the free e-book on the left!

**Crispy** · 07-17-2009, 01:47 PM

Your convicts definitely need more room... in such a small tank, one of them will be bullied to death I'm afraid...

**nickn313** · 07-17-2009, 03:59 PM

thanx a lott guys!! :) yes, il be switching to a bigger tank soon... and il stick with Cichlids..they're realy fun to watch...moving gravel, digging and all :)