I need help with my red zebra!

[cocoloco]

Ok, I recently bought a red zebra he/ she is about an inch and a half. I noticed that it has these black specks on his body. Is this normal for a red zebra? I mean, is this just part of the coloration? I thought it was a parasite, then the lady at the pet store said that this is just what these fish look like. Is this true? I am worried that I need to get it out of the 40gallon and treat him. I appreciate any advice and info.

Thanks,
Andrea

 

[mome rath]

Sounds like it's a coloration known as "OB" or "orange blotch."

The "blotching" is pretty variable, as you can tell from those photos.

 

[valerie]

Are the black spots big like in the OB peacock pics or are they tiny little dots(around the chin?). If it is big blothes then it is most likely that you havea OB fish. If it is tiny black dots around the chin area my Mbuna get this sometimes. I think it is from digging(atleast that is what been said at other forums)