How do you know if or when your convict fish have paired up?

1. They will spend a lot of time together. Paired convicts will often be found swimming side by side or hanging out in the same area of the tank. They may also follow each other around.

2. They will display courtship behaviors. Male convicts will often display courtship behaviors towards females, such as fanning their fins or nudging them with their snout. Females may respond by flashing their fins or allowing the male to mount them.

3. They will build a nest. Paired convicts will often build a nest out of gravel or other substrate in which to lay their eggs. The nest will usually be located in a sheltered area of the tank, such as under a rock or piece of driftwood.

4. They will lay eggs. Once the nest is built, the female convict will lay her eggs. The eggs will be small and white, and they will be deposited in the nest. The male convict will then fertilize the eggs.

5. They will guard their eggs. Once the eggs are laid, the male and female convict will both guard them. They will fan the eggs with their fins to keep them oxygenated, and they will chase away any predators that try to eat the eggs.

If you see any of these behaviors, it is likely that your convict fish have paired up.