Very cool and very lucky, Should pull through though. They develope a great charactor. Mine has a disliking to my brother inlore and always flares at him, also hates algae magnets and attacks them. They are primarily invert eaters and I have had success keeping him with very small fish that don't present a terratorial threat. I have a group of White Cloud Mountain Minnows with mine.
Male or Female? - Can't tell at that size, Well I can't.
Shallow water 2ft tank or deep 3ft tank? - 3ft if it's an option. I have mine in a 2ft deep tank though.
Rate of growth? Pretty quick I am expearencing 0.5-1 inch a month.
16C~mid-20C? (will need to get a cooler for the summer) They are warmer subtropical so 20-21c will be fine
water current? Medium to low.
Hiding places (make it a cave)? They are suposed to live in caves, I have provided one but mine is always out in the open and never ventures into it..
Preferred lighting?, Not to fussy but like most fish likes it a little dim.
PH 6.5~8? 6.5 - 7.5. I have mine at 7.5, They are not fussy about the PH.