Chocolate Cichlid ? on changing colors

[beerad555]

thanks , he is really starting to show more color and is getting more active, when i first got him he was really laid back hiding and stuff but he has really turned around

 

[notho2000]

IME Chocolates exhibit a wide range of colors and patterns depending on mood and sexual activity. I have some young wilds that are mainly a uniform dark maroon/chocolate color.. They do lighten up from time to time and when stressed get that splotchy patterning. My adult pairs have a similar look but when breeding take on much more green. Here's pics of a pair guarding young.

 

[TahoeFish]

I'm on my second chocolate. I find the light pink is when he is at ease and the darker colors when he feels fiesty and is getting all whipped up over food. This second one is a bit more dominant in the tank than my first but shows the full range of colors. He never sulks but once late at night I turned the light on and thought he was dead. sort of just floating on the bottom with lack of color and striping.
I love these guys. Lost my first to a gash and then a huge infection. So had to get another.

 

[beerad555]

I'm on my second chocolate. I find the light pink is when he is at ease and the darker colors when he feels fiesty and is getting all whipped up over food. This second one is a bit more dominant in the tank than my first but shows the full range of colors. He never sulks but once late at night I turned the light on and thought he was dead. sort of just floating on the bottom with lack of color and striping.
I love these guys. Lost my first to a gash and then a huge infection. So had to get another.

Yes They are awesome, cannot wait til mine gets bigger and really shows his colors