Crenicichla lenticulata coloration

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Africantigerfish

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 19, 2012
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Montreal, Canada
Hi, at what size do we are supposed to see color on lenticulata. I have the possibility to buy lenticulata at 7 inches and they are all grey.

Is it specimens that will not develop good coloration?

thanks!
 
Lents are highly variable. Just like johanna there are different races collected from different sites. I've seen extremely colorful specimens that have red along their back with large bright orange opercular spots to fish that are 14" and plain beige to gray with light spotting on their face and a little bit of red in their dorsal fin. Also keep in mind that lents tend to go through an "ugly duckling" stage where they are between their juvenile and adult colors and are simply not that attractive. 7"-9" is about that stage.

There's also a possibility that they are not lents at all. Post a pic and we can confirm for you what they are.
 
Most lents I've seen at least have the freckling on the face. Mine didn't have many spots along the body but they did have freckles in the face. They were a gorgeous orange-red coloration with a bright black and orange opercular spot, as well as a matching spot on the dorsal peduncle. I can tell you that when they were stressed or moved, they would wash out to a dull gray color and only the black spots and freckles would be visible. Once comfortable, as long as they were in clean water, their colors would come back. So if they are lents, it could just be that they're stressed or in need of some TLC.

Like Scatocephalus says, pictures would be the best way to be sure.
 
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