I can't figure out what this is

[Mark K]

I have a few fish that I have no idea where they came from. (probably just forgot) This one is different from all of the rest. I have had no luck finding it in pics on the net. I am actually tired of trying to research it. I figure enough is enough. So, does anyone know what this is?



DSC05814 by mrk525, on Flickr
DSC05813 by mrk525, on Flickr
DSC05811 by mrk525, on Flickr

Your help makes Fathead smile real pretty like.

DSC05809 by mrk525, on Flickr

 

[krichardson]

It is some kind of cichlid.....tilapia or a hybrid perhaps.

 

[Mark K]

OK, What I mean is what type of cichlid is it?

 

[phreeflow]

Looks like a female haplochromis of some time...extremely hard to tell them apart as most females are colorless

 

[duanes]

I see a Tilapine as the most predominant in the first pic, could be Coptodon zillii, or even Oreochromis tanganicea, many of the Tilapines are difficult to tell apart
1st C zillii

now O tanganicae

Now niloticus

There are @ 100 species (maybe more) of Tilapines throughout Africa, and unless you know the location they came from, it is almost impossible to tell them apart.
There are also many hybrids that have been transplanted around the globe.
I found many in a remote cenote in Mexico, video below.
Aktun Ha
and the photo below in Florida, near the Everglades, this guy was over a foot long.

where I live now in Panama, feral populations have taken over some lakes

 

[Mark K]

You are never going to believe this. I was watching a video by Prime Time Aquatics and he showed his dominant male Red Empress. It was surrounded by the same fish I have. It turns out to be a female Red Empress.

Thank for the effort folks.