Fish ID please

[Microfische]

Picked this guy up a few days ago, he was in a mislabeled tank and the store staff were no help since I don't speak chinese and they barely speak english, but I thought the fish looked good so I grabbed him. The only problem is I obviously have no clue what it is, it does look like a flowerless zz or maybe even a texas cross, hopefully someone could help.

The picture quality isn't great, but these are the best out of a bunch I took.



And some with flash:

 

[love The Jack Dempseys]

Im guessing somekind of mix with a texas, its got a weird beak mouth almost like a firemouth,eartheater, or geo

 

[Microfische]

That's exactly why I mentioned the texas cross, it doesn't have the classic vieja mouth/face, rather one resembling a texas or red devil.

 

[Chrisplosion]

Maybe ZZ x Kamfa or an odd one from a batch of homemade kamfa.

 

[Microfische]

Thanks for the replies guys. Not sure what the policy is as far as linking threads from other forums here, but I've found a few pictures of "flowerless" zz's from juvi to adult stage that look very similar to my fish.

In any case I'll keep you posted with updated shots as the fish grows.

 

[Microfische]

Just thought I'd update, stopped by the store again and saw two more of the same fish I got, and thankfully the owner's daughter with I'm guessing her husband were in, who speak english, asked about the fish and they confirmed it being a zz malau from one of their personal tanks.

 

[Microfische]

Here are some new pics:

 

[cichlid_king]

Looks like a Texas/ZZ cross to me. He is getting some good blue coloration.

 

[Microfische]

Yea that's what I'm leaning towards as well, as it's growing and bulking up I can see more and more carpintis in him with a reddish base and fins and the blue/green pearls, and when he gets lighter in color you can see a faint flowerline running from tail to about half his body.

As they say don't assume or rely on a "friendly" lfs salesperson unless you've seen the parents yourself. Either way I'm not in it for the money or to compete, just thought the fish looked good.

 

[cichlid_king]

Yea that's what I'm leaning towards as well, as it's growing and bulking up I can see more and more carpintis in him with a reddish base and fins and the blue/green pearls, and when he gets lighter in color you can see a faint flowerline running from tail to about half his body.

As they say don't assume or rely on a "friendly" lfs salesperson unless you've seen the parents yourself. Either way I'm not in it for the money or to compete, just thought the fish looked good.

As long as you like it thats all that matters.