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

Question

I have three convict cichlids. The smallest one has bright spots on its belly, and from what I’ve read, I assumed that one is a female. The other two are larger and do not have bright spots, so I assumed those are males. However, I just noticed today that they have laid eggs. The two without the bright bellies are the ones guarding the eggs and chasing away the other fish. Now, I am trying to figure out if all female convicts have bright spots. If not, how can I tell which one is the mother and which one is the father?

Anonymous · 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)

Anonymous · Answer

Female Convict Cichlid

Anonymous · 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&rsquo;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&hellip;

Miss Krystel Klocko DDS · 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.

Anonymous · 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.

Anonymous · 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.

Anonymous · Answer

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

Anonymous

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

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