Is my Malawi ill?

[beercan]

I have a yellow and black striped Malawi Cichlid, and she's grown to about double what she was. However, she's loast most of her colour, with her body being all-black, and the only remaining yellow on her fins and tail.

She is eating a mixed diet, and generally looks well. Water temperature and quality is ok too.

However, is there something I'm missing?

 

[rmm]

The color african have while young does not stay through out thier life, I had a beutiful navy blue Johanni that turned black as it matured. You can try Harakiri foods that promote a bright color for your fish. Another thing you should look at is stress, is he being picked on? Is your substrate dark, as some fish will change slightly to blend in better to their surroundings as natural protection from preds.

Hope this help some good luck

 

[beercan]

She's the dominant member of the tank, and rul3es the lot. I certianly haven't seen anything harass her, and to be honest, if it was stupid enough she'd tear it apart with no issues...
The sand is a light cream colour, and the rockery is black.

 

[rmm]

Do you have a scientific name or common name for your particular little sheila

 

[beercan]

I'm afraid not, as nobody has been able ot offer one, but this is her... (I think it's a female anyhow...) )

Before:

Now:

 

[Kajuki18]

I had an auratus before and the same thing happened when she got older she became more darker.

 

[rmm]

Indeed I would say it is a female Melanochromis auratus, but usually they do keep some color around the fins. I cannot really tell to clear by the picture though. when they do darken they usually retain a light lateral line that runs almost the whole lengh of their body. They do come in various color variation with the Yellow-black being the most popular.

this link shows some of the color varients

I hope I was of some assistance good luck

 

[Soaup]

You have an auratus, Your she is a He, and is likely going through maturity. They turn dark black with faint yellow.

 

[beercan]

Thanks, he does have a light stipe through him now.
He's got really aggressive too.
Trouble is, I've got nowhere else to put him...
Blo*dy shop sold him to me as a Krib. I questioned why he was different and they said "oh yeah, they come like that"...