Do female Texas cichlids ALWAYS have a dorsal spot?

[knifegill]

I was just staring at the Texas and noticed that the dorsal spot, which I'm SURE was there when I bought her, is gone. But that doesn't mean much, does it? Could it just be her mood, the white container she's in, etc.? There aren't any juvenile males with dorsal spots which disappear at maturity, right? Getting the feeling I should just post a picture...

 

[aclockworkorange]

I've seen proven males with dorsal spots.


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[Chrisplosion]

I used to have a proven female that did not have one.

 

[cacichlids]

Not always but it's a fairly reliable way to determine the sex when you can't vent the fish. Better than rounded fins and such.

 

[Aquatic Aggression]

I had a male that got the dorsal spot when spawning.