Identify this cichlid

Most definitely P. polleni, the spots are too small for P. bleekeri as he matures his head will get that distinct shape, particularly if male.
Basically same species, polleni = small spots, bleekeri = big spots.
bleekeri
Paratilapia_bleekeri.jpg

polleni
polleni.jpg

Note; same shape to head.
 
i have absolutely no doubt it's polleni ... and the color of the spots can vary from white to silver blue. the frontal profile attains more 'hump' as the fish matures.
 
it's a far cry from being the Central American "Tetracanthus" that it was sold as.
Click to expand...
boy, that's for sure. it's amazing how little most LFS's know about the fish they sell, be they cichlid or non cichlid.
 
hmm

I have never even heard of these guys. Will it keep its dark coloration or will that change as it ages? How big do they ussually get also, that is a really nice looking fish you have there with the dark complection and spotts.

I really did think btw, that the 2nd group of pictures looked like a fat JD to me, just with really dark coloration.
 
just wanted to say that is a nice looking fish! good job on the nice pickup! how much did you pay for it?
 
I think I got it for like 13 bucks. Thinking back, I'm more convinced that the guy had no idea what it was so just threw something out there hoping I wouldn't pick up on it. Evidently it worked. So much for keeping the tank in the SA/CA vein. Ah well, he's a nice fish, but he's fairly aggressive. He tends to beat on my oscar a bit, especially at feeding time. Hence the fat piggish look. Although, most of hte pictures I've found of these guys look pretty fat as well. Maybe its just the body shape. In any case, I'm hoping that as the oscar grows up a bit, he'll be left alone more. The polleni doesnt bother the severums or anyone else in the tank, just goes after the oscar once in a while.

I could also see why the more recent pictures could look like a JD. The dark coloration and shiny blue spots do point in that direction. I've been trying to get some better pictures but I'm still working out the nuances of tank photography.
 
it seems like this fish may be growing as fast as or faster than the oscar! Is that just my perception or is it getting big, quickly!
 
No, they are both growing pretty quickly.
 
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