Rusty changing color / vertical banding

[vanpudin]

I've had my rusty 2-3 weeks now and the fish apearance is changing. Is it because it's happy?
Can anyone tell me if it's a male? It has one eggspot.
Here is 1 pic of fish when i first got it, followed by 2 pics i just took today. It may apear alittle brighter than normal because of flash. The fish is just a little darker than what u see in pic 2,3. But their is still a big difference. Sometimes i now see a faint purplish tint on it. I've never had a fish change apperance this fast and keep it.
The fish gets around and seems fine.
Thanks for any help.

[vanpudin]

I'm seen a few rusty at other stores now so mine look similer. Though my last 2 pics exagerate the brightness alittle.

[Malak]

It looks like a perlmutt in the last two pics.

[vanpudin]

Ok here are 2 more pics i just took. They look more realistic of actuall fish color. So compare the 1st pic on this thread with the last 2 pics i just put on. so this fish has become more atractive in the last 2-3 weeks.
So any idea on if male or female? It's hard to tell on rustys.
Thanks...

[nickmcmechan]

i keep malawis but am no expert...but is does look healthy to me

[vanpudin]

Yea, this my favorite cichlid i have. It swims and patrols the area; may chase off a fish out of its immeditate area once in a while, But won't harass it. Also it wont get real large, perfect for my 55g.

[LuckyCricket]

It is not a rusty, could be a hybrid. Kenyi/acei mix?? Where did you get it?

[vanpudin]

Bought it a a popular fish emporium here in houston. The fish looks like a typical rusty to me now that i've done a little research on the internet about them.
The last 2 pics are the best pictures of it as the flash didnt brighten the pics to much this time. The very 1st pic is what it looked like when i brought it home.
I can see how u might think there a little acei in it.
I don't think this ones a hybred though. I think it's pure rusty.

[LuckyCricket]

I don't have any pics of mine but here is a link to a pic that look similar (mine has less purple) and it looks nothing like yours

http://www.redorbit.com/modules/reflib/article_images/39_c70cd6d6af572931cf472dd3369f80aa.jpg

[vanpudin]

Maybe mine is a male. I think males have alittle more purple tint than females from what i have read.

[LuckyCricket]

the link is of a male.... but whatever

[vanpudin]

Ok then.. Anyway thanks to all who replyed.