My New FH

[James Reid]

Hey guys. Ive been reading the forums for awhile now, finally got around to registering.
I just picked up a FH today I had ordered from my lfs, wasnt an impulse buy.. Its now in my empty 55. I was a little surprised by its dark colouration, can anyone help me out? Its approx 2.5", I hope that is the beginning of a kok development. Is it a male?

 

[LordDracula]

Welcome James
The dark stripes is a sign of stress, if the tank is cycled and the quality of the water is good, he/she will be lighter in color.

 

[FHlov]

dark colors are normal for fh's when introduced to a tank. eventually it will lose the bars and start displaying itself. I see a little hump, but that doesn't indicate male. I can't even tell at this point. Venting is the only 100% way to tell at a young age. There's some posts laying around here about venting.