female convict

[min]

so i got Penelope pretty young . i got her her last year. Ive noticed in the past week shes been hiding (she is shy to begin with) she usually comes out when i put the light on. Lately shes hiding. Ive noticed shes cleared a spot under the drift wood i have in her tank. just wondering can/will they lay eggs without a male? She seems more shy than usual.

[OinKY]

Most Central American cichlids will lay in the absence of a male to prevent becoming egg bound and to keep their reproductive organs functioning healthily.So reasonable to assume a Convict would after reaching sexual maturity.

[baxtor_lex]

Most probably egg laying or breeding behaviour

[OinKY]

Most probably egg laying or breeding behaviour

Just watch to see how touchy and protective the usually "shy" Penelope is over her spot. She defends more than usual or expands her range out to keep fish away it's definitely spawning behavior.
It won't hurt anything as long as she's easy on tank mates and doesn't begin to look swollen.Just keep an eye on her.

[min]

she is actually in a tank by herself. She is shy but not with me. lately she is skiddish even with me. Thanks for the info.