Blackbelt Differences

[Crazy mike]

I've noticed some variation in Blackbelts that raises some questions for me.


These two belong to another member(Macenzi) hope you don't mind me using these pics


These two I found on Google



These three are of mine which I was told is male.


This last one is a wild caught male I saw posted on here a while back that I believe won a show of some sort.

Now my question is why do the first 4 appear have more black on them with spots and not much red throat , while some appear to be more grey/white based with more red throat. Would different collection points explain this? Hybrids? The two from Google might be hybrids being google images isn't always the most reliable source but the wild caught male isn't. Just always wondered about this.


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[Jmart159]

All look to me like regular old blackbelts. Some may be in different stages of their development or in different environments of different stress levels. Mine has looked like every one of those pictures at one time or another and was even almost pitch black with blue shimmer when I first bought him. I couldn't even tell he was a blackbelt. I just knew he was a vieja type fish. Turns out he was pretty stressed and after a day in my tank switched back to their normal patterning. Anyway, genetics can and will play a roll to an extent and so will collection point (because of the genetic lines in that area) but even in siblings you will see a certain level of variation. So, if you're on the hunt, when it comes to picking one out at your LFS I'd say it's just luck of the draw. I find that a good diet, clean water, and a stress free environment can make even your average fish look great.

 

[Crazy mike]

Not currently looking for another but I shall keep that in mind

Mine did have a somewhat spotted appearance when small but lost it as it got older
Younger

Now





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[Jmart159]

Looks good. Mine did the same. Started off with a more spotted pattern when small and looked like yours as it grew. It wasn't until later that the red grew deep and distinct in color.

 

[joe jaskot]

That is the beauty of the black belt cichlid. Throughout it's life it undergoes quite a few changes. At times you will think you own a different fish.

 

[decoy50]

Like previously mentioned, vieja can change colors quickly & frequently depending on mood & tank conditions. Syns & melanarus in particular. Never kept BBs but it seems like they are right up there with syns & mels too.

 

[lp85253]

I have a nice male(avatar) ..they are great for color and temperament...mine is about 10" and has changed significantly since I got him at 5"