thanks st, wait till i show you pics from now. this is still a few weeks back.
he is almost 12 inches. i can hand feed him so i assume he is happy. he just pecks at algae on the glass all day and follows me when i come into the room. anytime im at a corner of the tank looking for shrimp or fish fry, he is there staring into my eyes only 3 inches away. i can almost hear him thinking " feed me!". he is still skittish though when he hears sudden loud noises or the cabinet to the stand will slam shut.