hap. compressiceps

[dpool]

ok so heres the deal.

I have a hap. compressicep of which I was almost positive was a male. It has a red line going down it's dorsal fin and a red anal fin w/ blue dots. it is now pushing 8 inches and no blue whatsoever in it's body. It's dorsal fin and anal fin are both rounded instead of pointy like most male haps get.

Any chance at all this is a female instead of a male? or why would he not have any blue yet?

 

[OSXer]

I've seen females with the red line and reddish anal fins, but if you've got blue dots on the dorsal, you have a male for sure.

I bet that him having not colored up has something to do with his living circumstances or he's just got horrible genes.

 

[deadrockstars]

I had that happen to mine. i had him for years, and i was sure it was a male, and then five years later it was just a big ugly fish

 

[Honda12]

There could be many factors that could cause it to look the way it does. Tankmates, tank space/size, food, and water quality.

I have seen females and owned them that have had the red lines one or two eggs spots and even some blue to them.

I have also had males color up at as little 3''.

Without a pic, and such little info, I would go with female from what you describe.

 

[Aquatic Dreams]

Ive bred them, Females can display the colors you are describing.
Also.. Their Dimidiochromis Compressiceps, Not Haplochromis..
Just fixed it for those who didnt know..

 

[nativelover]

maybe he has no reason to color up, is it housed alone? are there females in the tank? maybe it needs another male to compete with.
when i keep bluegills alone they tend to not color up as well as when i keep them in schools.