Pseudotropheus Crabro

[dthoffsett]

I have a single p. crabro in a standard 75gal tank with: 6 l. caeruleus, 6 m. callainos, and 4 p. acei, all but 2 labs are adults. I bought it at about an inch from nose to tail, and two months later it's around 3 to 3 1/2 inches. My question is, at what age will it reach its adult coloration. I know females retain the yellow/brown barring, and males turn a dark blueish color with darker barring. I'm just curious if I have a male or female. Either way, its quite healthy and active (hence the crappy pics), a gets along well with the other fish, which I know can change when it reaches sexual maturity. Anyways, sorry to ramble, and on to the pics. Thanks everybody.

 

[Gatorbait]

the males will have more eggspots on their tails. Usually 3 or 4. Females will usually have 2 or less.

They can change colors instantly from female to male. Both sexes can and they did that a lot in my tanks.

 

[dthoffsett]

Any guesses on what I have then? How large do they have to get before the egg spots start showing up. I know my acei where around 4 inches before egg spots started showing up, but my labs and callainos where around 2 in.

 

[Ferris]

Definately a female you've got there, egg spots start to show at 1.5 to 2" - lovely looking fish.

 

[dthoffsett]

Thanks Ferris, I was thinking it was a female. I'm kinda glad too, although I like the male coloration, with any luck she'll be more laid back than a male would be.

 

[Ferris]

A much maligned species IMO - i've always had a Crabro in my Mbuna tanks, male or female, and never had a problem with them. My current female is the least aggressive fish in the tank.