Dovii or something else?

[Billabong101]

Hi everyone, I just became a member of MFK and I’m loving it. Been in the hobby for about 6 months and decided to go down the wormhole of predator tanks. I decided I really wanted a Dovii so I ordered one from my LFS. However, I’m a little skeptical as to whether or not they sent me a Dovii or some hybrid or something else. I got it from a LFS that usually only sells African cichlids. The fish is about 3”. The markings, colors (or lack thereof) and general body shape seem a little off. It has some red tint on the tail and the black marking that usually goes the length of the fish is only on the back 2/3’s of the fish. The shape seems a little oval and round to me also, instead of a more pointed large mouth with a hooked under jaw. This is the first one I’ve kept. Any help with identifying would be appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[Niki_up]

I’m not an expert but if I had to guess I would guess vieja bifa or frens...though you might want to wait for for experienced people to chime in

 

[Billabong101]

I’m not an expert but if I had to guess I would guess vieja bifa or frens...though you might want to wait for for experienced people to chime in

That’s kind of what I was thinking too. It also has some red above the eyes the more I look at it.

 

[Niki_up]

That’s kind of what I was thinking too. It also has some red above the eyes the more I look at it.

I think it’s going to be a really nice fish, you can see the blue in the cheeks and maybe on the belly area

 

[Stanzzzz7]

It's definitely from the Veija group and most resembles zanotus or guttulatus. Without knowing the history of the fish it will only be an educated guess and could well be a hybrid. One thing for sure its definitely not a dovii.

 

[duanes]

Agree with the others, the photos are not dovii, or even one of the genus Parachromis.
Here are 2" dovii.

below a little older

More than anything else, note the predatory mouth shape.
When looking at the mouth in your photos, it is obviously "not " a predator.

 

[Billabong101]

Thank you guys! I was pretty sure it wasn't a Dovii, but thought I'd get a couple opinions. I was leaning vieja zonatus. Guess I'll be going back to trade it or sell it.

 

[maxstillen]

Definitely not a dovii. Juvenile vieja for sure.