need an ID

[onepawnup]

This fish was donated to the pet store but they had no idea what it was either
It was in with a Jack dempsey so i assume it is aggresive
also he was black with the spots when i first saw him and he has been very pale as well as the brown you see. he went from pale to black almost instantly when they netted him at the store


let me know

[scootrnerd]

Paratilapia polleni "Small Spot Madagascar Cichlid"
http://www.wetthumbaquatics.com/Fish%20Pictures/Paratilapia%20polleni%20small%20spot%20madagascar% 20cichlid/Paratilapia%20polleni%20small%20spot%20madagascar% 20cichlid.jpg


does it look like this in full color?

[onepawnup]

YES

which is the normal color ?
the pale or the black

ONEpawnup

[toddnbecka]

Depends on the fish's mood, substrate color, any of a variety of other things as well.

[krytan]

Wow what a cool fish, how big do they grow?

Whats their temperment like?

[MIKE D]

males 9-10 inches Females 7-8 inches.
Origin
Africa - Madagascar
Common name
None, although adoption of the native Merina name Marakely (mar-uh-kelly) has been suggested as a common name for this species.
Sexing
Paratilapia polleni are easily sexed. Males grow up to a third again the size of females. When they reach a certain age, they are longer in the body than females, have longer, more pointed soft dorsal and anal fins and a much more rounded cranial profile. These distinctions are clearly seen in fish six months old and become more pronounced with increasing age.
Diet
Carnivore - They will accept most live, frozen (bloodworm and Mysis Shrimp) and floating pellet foods. They will accept flake if started young. Freeze-dried krill or river shrimp will also be eaten. They relish earthworms.
Swimming level
Mainly inhabits the middle and top levels of the aquarium.
Recommended for
Large tank; aquarium with large fish; experienced fishkeepers; breeders.

from http://www.wetpetz.com/polleni.htm

[krytan]

Thanks Mike.

[DISCIPLE]

NOW THAT IS UNIQUE!:drool:

[Lupin]

NOW THAT IS UNIQUE!:drool:
Not my type though.lol Nice fish.:)

[Hooked Newbie]

Cool fish!

[onepawnup]

thanks for the help guys