cichlid keeper;2902030; said:
that fulu looks great but looks fake also maybe its just me
Nah that's what males look like, but that's like a super show male. Most don't get that blue hue in the head. They do show up black stripes in the head and eye, but that pic has to be like a very high quality show male.
I have 1M 5F of this species, just starting to breed for me too. First time females failed a few times, but I do have 1 holding and I'm holding my breath hoping... But my male, he can't compare to that pic, but I'm sure as he ages, his colors will improve. Basically, it's like a red shoulder look, and the lower half to the tail a bit green yellowish.
There's another species, if you like the look of this one you can consider. Though not straight green it is bi-colored, smaller growing and rather peaceful in terms of an African. Astilapia Aeneocolor aka the Albert Yellow Bellies. I have seen 2 color varients where the males had in one, upper half red, lower half yellow, and the other was red/green. These are a victorian also. I have a pair now and 7 more on the way. Great species to keep.
Keep in mind, while the thread is looking Malawi, don't knock Victorians. There are great benefits to going Victorian. For starters, Lake Victorian is undergoing some drastic climate changes, and MANY species are either endangered or extinct there now. Political unreset in Africa is also reducing every year, the number of wild caught exports. If you can get a Victorian tank up and going, trust me, it is well worth your time if you are looking to breed.
however it wont get you green ...not this time rotflmaoooooooooo
