Advice needed with Blue Dolphin Moorii -- How to tell the dominant male ? Colors ?

chopsteeks

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Jun 2, 2013
418
29
61
Denver
I have decided to have these gorgeous cichlid as the main fish in my 125 gallon tank.

Currently the 125 gallon tank has the following:

1. 2 Male Mooriis ---6 inches
2. 7 Female Mooriis--- 4 are around 4 inches, 1 is 5/6 inches, 2 --- 3 inches
3. 1 Male Aulonocara Chipoka --- 5 inches
4. 1 Male Aulonocara Red Jake --- 3 inches
5. 2 Synodontis Eureptus --- 6 inches

One of the males, I just got it from LFS by trading a few fish.

The new male was all excited, chasing all the females, challenging the resident male.

With all his antics, the resident male was all cool and stood his ground.

The resident male is a pretty calm guy, not overly excited.

Left for 3 hours to do some yard work.

When I came back, something changed --- drastically. The tank was all quiet and calm.

The resident had changed its colors to a darker color, even showing his spots.

Whereas the new male had lighrened up and swimming back and forth the 6 foot tank.

Question : With the resident male darkening up, is he the dominant male ?

I am concerned that keeping 2 males is not a good idea.

But LFS told me they should be fine as there are enough females and the tank is large enough.

Is this correct ?

Thanks much.
 

poppalina

Gambusia
MFK Member
Sep 26, 2010
669
27
18
Boston
The new male thought he was going to be boss and got put in his place by the resident male. They will work it out and the tank is big enough for them. However when it comes to breeding you can expect some drama as the males are the same size and the beta male might continue to challenge your alpha or not, time will tell.
 
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