Synspilum coloring

[Mij]

At what size does the Vieja Synspilum color up and start to get the red around the head region? I have an opportunity to get one for $20 and its about 4.5" to 5". Its in a lfs tank with some rose queens and other assorted cichlids that were donated and has a hint or red around the head and red through the rear of the dorsal fin, anal fin, and tail fin. It looks like either a Synspilum or a hybrid, not sure. Because it looks a little stressed in there, not sure if the true colors are showing.

 

[Mij]

Well, I brought it home yesterday. After about three hours in the tank, it started to color up quite nicely. Has a decent amount of red coloring around the head now. Not much blue on the flanks, but still a beautiful fish.

 

[Mij]

Day two and more and more color as he adjusts to the new home. Has more blue on the flanks now.

 

[Pablo]

Paratheraps Synspilum... should be well colored by the time they're 5".... maybe he was a bit stressed in the shop.

They're beautiful fish with lots of caracter.

A picture will be nice.

Pablo

 

[roliva]

5" TL

 

[fishorama]

Wow, pretty fish! That looks like a female judging by the dorsal & anal fins length. I can only imagine how an adult male might look!