Cichlid colour gone weird

Is it to do with maturity or is it a problem?


The white coloration forming around the bottom of his face and up the side of the mouth

 

Bumping this up for you

 

Looks like Hole in the Head. Generally means water quality isn't adequate.

 

I Have delt with hole
In head and that had a change in texture. This isn't hith IMO as it is smooth hasn't escalated and I have 0 ammonia
0 nitrites
0 nitrates
Water change 2 times a week and the filter is turning the tank over more than 20 times an hour

 

Just realized, that's the red devil. If there are no actual holes (hard to see in the photo), then the loss of pigment could be the start of "peeling", or losing the black pigment. The red Red Devils start out striped and lose the black pigment. It is likely that yours is just starting the process.

 

chromedome52

So is it a red devil?
I was convinced it was a barred Midas, given the stripes. But are you saying that the stripes can go?

 

Midas/Red Devil, both start off with stripes and lose them to turn yellow/red. May even be the common cross of the two species. And the last photo indicates clearly that he is starting his change. It can take a while, or it can happen in a very short time. Can't predict.

 

Midas/Red Devil, both start off with stripes and lose them to turn yellow/red. May even be the common cross of the two species. And the last photo indicates clearly that he is starting his change. It can take a while, or it can happen in a very short time. Can't predict.

So it isn't possible to know if he is a Midas or red devil? Also is it definite that he will go red or yellow or orange? In other words can I start to get excited or is there still a chance he will be go black?

 

Some will get a mottled pattern, usually that's only temporary but I have seen it on older fish. He will not turn black, and at this point it is certain that he will lose all or most of the dark pigment that is present.

 

Anything I can do to help him? More live food, more water changes, more feeding times? Any thing that would help? chromedome52

 

He doesn't really need any help, it's just part of his life cycle. All you can do is watch.

 

He doesn't really need any help, it's just part of his life cycle. All you can do is watch.

Cool so what is the time frame. I know u said it can vary. But longer + shortest??

 

He is currently in a 25g do u think a 5 or 6 foot 100-125g will be big enough?

 

Yes, a 100-125 would be more than adequate for him.

I really have no idea what the range might be for the color changing timetable. I've not kept the species, but I've seen many reports of anywhere from a few weeks to fish that keep changing pattern for a couple of years.

 

Yes, a 100-125 would be more than adequate for him.

I really have no idea what the range might be for the color changing timetable. I've not kept the species, but I've seen many reports of anywhere from a few weeks to fish that keep changing pattern for a couple of years.

How much longer do you reckon he can stay in this 25? Just coz I'll have to start looking at tanks and filters and what not.

 

Update on Bishan, doing really well IMO! chromedome52

 

Midas/Red Devil, both start off with stripes and lose them to turn yellow/red. May even be the common cross of the two species. And the last photo indicates clearly that he is starting his change. It can take a while, or it can happen in a very short time. Can't predict.

Is it possible to know now?

 

chromedome52

 

chromedome52

 

Update:
He or she, is now completely red... apart from a tiny bit on the tail. The black bit on his or her head has also changed. I am just wanting to update you on his or her growth.

 

Yes, a 100-125 would be more than adequate for him.

I really have no idea what the range might be for the color changing timetable. I've not kept the species, but I've seen many reports of anywhere from a few weeks to fish that keep changing pattern for a couple of years.

I'm currently Cycling the new 140 gallon tank I bought for him or her...

 

Wow, how long was that?. Only about 10 days?

Curious as I have a blood parrot that will change but not sure what to expect also.

 

Wow, how long was that?. Only about 10 days?

Curious as I have a blood parrot that will change but not sure what to expect also.

About 2 months...