Juiced peacock cichlids

[Montaukfish]

hey guys I bought 10 OB peacocks from petco and I just found out that they’re juiced I’m new to Africans and was wondering if people have had the color go away then come back and if they were able to breed as well as if the life expectancy was stunted or not

thanks in advance

 

[The Morning]

How do you know they were hormoned? Did they lose color?

 

[Montaukfish]

How do you know they were hormoned? Did they lose color?

I’m just assuming because they’re super colored up at 2 inches and people have mentioned the big box stores having juiced fish

 

[The Morning]

Hopefully you will be pleasantly surprised. I have a friend who bought a Ob peacock from a box store about year and half ago. Fish is still very nice and colorful.

 

[Joshuakahan]

hey guys I bought 10 OB peacocks from petco and I just found out that they’re juiced I’m new to Africans and was wondering if people have had the color go away then come back and if they were able to breed as well as if the life expectancy was stunted or not

thanks in advance

I think they should turn out fine, they might color down some, but the color will return

 

[duanes]

Here's one that has not been "juiced" to compare.

 

[Montaukfish]

Mine are all small so I’m not sure how they will turn

 

[Adamson]

If they are super colored up at that size, they are definitely juiced. I’ve had juiced up males from Petco turn out to be females...
That female turned out to be holding fry, so yes, they can be fertile!
They will become less colorful, but will likely skill look decent.
The attached photos are the same fish. Juiced, and then 2 months later when it wore off.

 

[neutrino]

Imo it's a wait and see situation. I bred them for a while and ime OBs often do color up early and, depending on genetics, females can also be colorful.

 

[ryang85]

Imo it's a wait and see situation. I bred them for a while and ime OBs often do color up early and, depending on genetics, females can also be colorful.

I've had 2" OB males in full color. I've also had 3" females that has blue cheeks that look like males and they seem to be the best breeders.

Usually a good way to tell a juiced OB is by the orange. At 2" even the best males shouldnt have much bright orange and should have a good amount of blue if they show anything. I've always made a point to avoid large store cichlids because I've heard a lot of bad things.