Melanochromis Auratus Sex

[RTCfan86]

This Auratus was bright yellow when I purchased it a few weeks back. Color went to a light brown and yellow, and later had what looked like a prolapsed anus. When the ‘prolapsed anus’ went away, the fish appeared to be holding eggs, which made me think it was the egg duct popping out instead of a prolapsed anus. The fish resumed eating a couple days after I thought it was holding. Thoughts on sex? I’m having a hard time finding females that look like this, but the fact that it seemed it was holding eggs is throwing me off (first time with mouth brooders). If it matters, this was the only auratus in the tank until today, as I have a nicely mixed bag of mbunas. I got a male today and he’s nearly black.

Pics below and before then during I thought it was holding eggs.

 

[Milingu]

That's a strange one. I have seen old and dominant females go pretty dark while breeding, but yours looks a bit different.
How old is it?
Where is it in the tank hierarchy?

If it's a male and not suppressed it will show full male colours within one or two weeks.

 

[RTCfan86]

That's a strange one. I have seen old and dominant females go pretty dark while breeding, but yours looks a bit different.
How old is it?
Where is it in the tank hierarchy?

If it's a male and not suppressed it will show full male colours within one or two weeks.

Not sure on the age, as I’ve only had it a few weeks. It’s about 3” though. The male I added this morning is the largest fish in the tank and black in color, but is getting chased quite a bit by the original mystery auratus.

As far as tank hierarchy goes…I really haven’t seen any aggression in here yet. It’s a 75 gallon with 17 different Mbuna. Things the first time I’ve seen aggression with today’s addition.

 

[Milingu]

How are the auratus doing? Any changes in behaviour or colour?

 

[EricTheRed]

At 3 inches, your Auratus is still very young and still growing. My roughly five year old male Auratus is a solid 6 inch brute. I believe you have a young male by his colors but I cannot explain why a male would be holding eggs. Maybe it’s a very dominant female who thinks she is a maleThese mbunas ability to change colors continues to puzzle and fascinate me even after decades keeping and raising them.

 

[EricTheRed]

Here is a photo of my male in my 125G.

View attachment IMG_5086.jpeg

 

[phreeflow]

Looks to be a male holding eggs. I was going to suggest asking Milingu but it seems he’s stumped as well. Definitely a mystery fish.

Is it still holding?