Convict cichlid

Question
QUESTION: Hi

I want to buy convict cichlids,but i want to know can you
force the fish to stay not small but to put him in a 20
gallon tank..?

Thank you

ANSWER: Hello Ruan,
         To answer your question, Convict Cichlid are not a very big fish at full growth, even in their natural habitats they only reach a total average length of about 4 1/2 inches. A 20 gallon tank would be ok for a couple of Convicts. Although, make sure your tank is decorated in a way to mimic its natural environment by adding flat rocks and such. This gives them hiding places and keeps them less stressed. Its small size, and its ease of keeping and breeding, make the convict cichlid an ideal fish for beginners and advanced aquarists. Remember, it will take much more effort to maintain your aquarium and keep your fish healthy if you overcrowd the tank. I wouldn't put too many in a 20 gallon. I hope this helps. Let me know what you come up with.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi
I will keep that in mind.I now have a 10 gallon tank,i just
want to know if it is big enough for kribensis cichlids..I
love this cichlid specie and would love to breed them but i
will need to know if one breeding pair will fit in the 10
gallon tank..

Thanx  

Answer
A pair of those would do fine in  a 10 gallon tank for breeding. The decor will be what's important along with the ph levels and hardness of water, to trigger spawning. Awesome fish I will add, very pretty colors. Good Luck!! Good choice! Keep me posted.