Jaguar Pattern

[AquariumLver]

Hey everyone! I have a Jaguar cichlid grow-out that I've had for about a year now. His pattern is getting weird. My presumption is that it's just him losing his stripes, however there is a lot of fighting in the tank, so I don't know if it's scale damage or a normal metamorphosis to his adult spots. Is this rugged, ugly pattern normal for Jaguar cichlids? Also, if anyone could sex the fish that would be great. Thanks!

 

[phreeflow]

Males usually lose their stripes, which break up into spots, as they get more mature. They also get more gold color so perhaps yours is male. However, at a year old, I would think a male would have less noticeable stripes so it’s a bit confusing. It’s hard to tell for sure with those fish.

 

[Milingu]

The fish just looks stressed with that black colour on it's back and head. Which would explain the washed out pattern.
The grey parts above the pectoral fin looks like minor damage.