My Red Devils head wont grow

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S

SemperFish

Gambusia
MFK Member
Dec 25, 2007
743
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16
Hubert, NC
Looking for some advice here. I have a RD ive had for about 3 years. He is nearly a foot long and happy but he only has a little bump on his head. His coloration also seems pale compared to lots of other RDs Ive seen. Is this just a genetic thing or is there something I can do?
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. His water quality is good, I take special care to ensure that because I know that his tank is currently too small for him.
 
Sometimes tank size and tank mates can affect the size of nuchal humps. My RD grew a huge one when he had to protect his territory from his equally aggressive tank mates.
 
could be genetic too. If it is just a normal RD from any lfs it may have poor blood lines.
 
camcdonnel;3749288; said:
He could be a she. My RD didn't get a huge nuchal either.
Click to expand...

I dont think hes a she but I will post some pics shortly and see if you all can tell.
Do females also not get as dark in color?
 
How big is the tank?

This is what I would try:
1. more water changes
2. use a mirror so he can show his aggression towards his own reflection. do this 20-30mins a day.
3. feed hikari massivores

If none of that stuff works, then its all in the genetics. That line probably doesnt allow for nuchal hump growth.
 
yours seems to be a female. a 12'' male would have a big head by 12''. both sexes should have a big head after around 6-7'' - females less round, and more of a steep that isseen in your photo's.
 
Its a 60g tank, which I know is too small. I will be moving soon and will be getting a 120 when I do. I started the mirror thing last week and I think there may be some increase in his redness, but it seems temporary and may be partly my imagination. I think I'll go look for some massivore too.
What features do I need to look for to sex him? I have a hard time getting good pics of him with my camera.
 
Is coloration affected by diet? What do I need to do to increase his color?
 
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