Convict cichlids are a biparental species, which means that both parents care for the eggs and fry after spawning. ... Convict cichlid eggs usually hatch within three to four days of spawning, and the fry will remain in a pit the female digs in the substrate for another few days until their yolk sacs are fully absorbed.

Do convict cichlids eat their babies?

(As a note, your Convict Cichlid pair may eat their babies the first few spawns. They are new parents and are still trying to figure everything out, this is normal.)

How long do convict cichlids hold eggs?

The eggs will hatch between 10-15 days after fertilization. The female then hold the babies in her mouth for up to two more weeks, occasionally letting them out to feed them.