How can I tell the difference between a male and a female convict cichlid?

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I have 3 convict cichlids.The smallest 1 has bright spots on its belly. From what I’ve read I assumed that one is a female. The other 2 are bigger in size and dont have bright spots and I assumed those where males.I just noticed today that they have laid eggs.The 2 with out the bright bellies are the ones that are guarding them and chasing away the other one.So now i am trying to figure out if all female convicts have bright spots.If not, how do I tell wich one is the mother and wich one is the father?

Dr. Nina Hettinger I · Accepted Answer

The males are larger and have longer extensions on their dorsal and anal fins. But it’s the FEMALE that’s brighter – she’ll have a pink-orange patch on her abdomen that the male doesn’t. Here’s a link where you have a pull-down menu under the photo so you can compare pics of males and females: http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?…(NOTE: The “Regular morph” photo that you see first is a male – compare that with the “adult female” shots and the “courting pair” photo)

Dr. Nina Hettinger I · Answer

Female Convict Cichlid

Dr. Nina Hettinger I · Answer

This Site Might Help You.RE:How can I tell the difference between a male and a female convict cichlid?I have 3 convict cichlids.The smallest 1 has bright spots on its belly. From what I’ve read I assumed that one is a female. The other 2 are bigger in size and dont have bright spots and I assumed those where males.I just noticed today that they have laid eggs.The 2 with out the bright bellies…

Dr. Nina Hettinger I · Answer

I have a 75 gallon tank that is nothing but convicts and they are some of my faves!!! The easiest way to tell is the males are much larger and the females are smaller and when the female is ready to spawn she will have a “breeding tube” that comes out of her under belly close to her anal fins, it will be visible for about a week.

Dr. Nina Hettinger I · Answer

Usually the males will get the brightest colors, but for convicts, the male’s dorsal fin will sweep back longer and fuller than the female’s. The female’s will be rounded and short.

Dr. Nina Hettinger I · Answer

actually, in convicts, its the opposite of the norm. the females get the bright colors and stay small, while the males are fairly plain and get large.

Dr. Nina Hettinger I · Answer

the males will also get a large hump on their “foreheads” as they mature

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How can I tell the difference between a male and a female convict cichlid?

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