Cichlid pics and info.

[plecoman]

I am new to this site and know absolutely nothing about cichlids. I am wanting to learn though! I think it would be great if you had a section on the different cichlids, and maybe some other species, with pictures of the fish and information on caring for them. (Ex. type of water, ph, temp, food, etc.) I know this can all be found on the web, but thought it might be a nice plus for this site.
I realize this could be a major undertaking, and if that is the case, maybe we could have a section with links to the best web sites for cichlids that has all the necessary information about them.

[jody]

I would be willing to put everything i have researched on here. I would take a while though. I personally like that idea.

[jtrotter77]

all info was obtained from Cichlid-forum.com There is lots more info there if needed.

Altolamprologus


Altolamprologus feed on insect larvae, small crustaceans and small fry that they suck out of the crevices in the rocks. They are laterally compressed, the specialization that allows them access to these foods where other cichlids cannot. They thrive on mysis shrimp, krill, salad shrimp, flakes, pellet and brine shrimp in the aquarium. Despite their large mouth size, they should not be a threat to other adult fish in the aquarium, including adult shelldwellers.

[jtrotter77]

Astatotilapia
Astatotilapia burtoni

Scientific Name: Astatotilapia burtoni
Pronunciation: -stt--t-l-p- br-tn-
Habitat: Sediment-Rich Rocky Habitat
Diet: Omnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Aggressive
Maximum Size: 5"
Temperature: 77 - 79°F
pH: 8.6
Water Hardness: Very Hard
Difficulty: 1

Astatotilapia latifasciata

Scientific Name: Astatotilapia latifasciata
Pronunciation: -stt--t-l-p- l-t-f-s--t
Common Name(s): Zebra Obliquidens
Geo. Origin: Lake Kyoga and Lake Nawampasa
Habitat: Lives among the aquatic plants surrounding the lake's perimeter
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 5.0"
Temperature: 78-82°F
pH: 7.2-8.6
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 1

Comments:
A beautiful species which is "critically endangered" in the wild. Males develop a "red" colored belly. This species is best kept in small groups. With a ratio of 1 male to 2 females (at least 6 fish in the group). They are not overly aggressive and can be easily housed with many of the smaller mbuna and Auloncara from Lake Malawi. In the wild, it is primarily insectivore but the diet occasionally includes the fins and scales of other cichlids (but has not been observed in the aquarium). Supplement their diet with mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, cyclops, and or daphnia. Astatotilapiia is a subgenus of Haplochromis and A. latifasciata has been assigned to this subgenus pending further investigation by scientists.

[jtrotter77]

Aulonocara


Aulonocara baenschi

Scientific Name: Aulonocara baenschi
Pronunciation: -ln--kr- bn-sh
Common Name(s): Benga Peacock, New Yellow Regal
Geo. Origin: Nkhomo Reef near Benga, Malawi
Habitat: Intermediate Zone
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Peaceful
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 5"
Temperature: 78 - 82°F
pH: 7.8 - 8.6
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 2

Aulonocara jacobfreibergi "Eureka"

Scientific Name: Aulonocara jacobfreibergi "Eureka"
Pronunciation: -ln--kr- j-kb-fr-brg-
Common Name(s): Eureka Peacock
Geo. Origin: Aquarium
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Aggressive
Maximum Size: 7"
Temperature: 78-82°F
pH: 7.8-8.6
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 2
Comments:
This variant of jacobfreibergi does not occur in the Lake Malawi but instead is a line-bred (not hybrid) strain of the race from Otter Point, Malawi.

Aulonocara stuartgranti (Chiloelo)

Scientific Name: Aulonocara stuartgranti (Chiloelo)
Pronunciation: -ln--kr- st-rt-grnt-
Common Name(s): Aulonocara hansbaenschi, Red Shoulder
Geo. Origin: Chiloelo, Mozambique
Habitat: Intermediate Zone
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Aggressive
Maximum Size: 6"
Temperature: 78-82°F
pH: 7.8-8.6
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 2

Aulonocara stuartgranti (Ngara)

Scientific Name: Aulonocara stuartgranti (Ngara)
Pronunciation: -ln--kr- st-rt-grnt-
Common Name(s): Flametail Peacock
Geo. Origin: Ngara & Mdoka, Malawi
Habitat: Intermediate Zone
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Peaceful
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 5"
Temperature: 78 - 82°F
pH: 7.8 - 8.6
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 2

Aulonocara (Rubescens)

Scientific Name: Aulonocara (Rubescens)
Pronunciation: -ln--kr- st-rt-grnt-
Common Name(s): Ruby Red Peacock
Geo. Origin: Aquarium
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Peaceful
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 5"
Temperature: 78 - 82°F
pH: 7.8 - 8.6
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 2

Comments:
The Ruby Red Peacock is not a hybrid but has been line bred from the Maleri Island race of Aulonocara sp. ''Stuartgranti Maleri". It was named Rubescens after Peter Rubin, who first imported this fish from Germany.

Aulonocara stuartgranti

Scientific Name: Aulonocara stuartgranti (Hongi Is.)
Pronunciation: -ln--kr- st-rt-grnt-
Common Name(s): Aulonocara steveni
Geo. Origin: Hongi Island, Tanzania
Habitat: Intermediate Zone
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Peaceful
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 6"
Temperature: 78-82°F
pH: 7.8-8.6
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 2

[jtrotter77]

Chalinochromis

Chalinochromis brichardi

Scientific Name: Chalinochromis brichardi
Pronunciation: ch-ln--kr-ms br-shrd-
Habitat: Shallow Precipitous Rocky Habitat
Diet: Omnivore
Gender Differences: Monomorphic
Breeding: Substrate Spawner
Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 5.5"
Temperature: 77 - 79°F
pH: 8.6
Water Hardness: Very Hard
Difficulty: 2

Comments:
The Chalinochromis brichardi owes its name from Belgian, Pierre Brichard. Brichard was responsible for exports from the lake as early as 1971, and the publishing of the first good book on Tanganyikan cichlids. While "Fishes of Lake Tanganyika" is dated now, it is still a great reference. The C. brichardi lacks any body striping as an adult, which differentiates it from other Chalinochromis. They dine of small crustaceans, insect larvae, and other live food that live in the aufwuchs. In eating this food, they also ingest sediment algae and sand. In the aquarium they can be fed on mysis shrimp, krill, flakes, pellets, mosquito larvae and artemia (brine shrimp)


Chalinochromis sp. "Ndobhoi"

Scientific Name: Chalinochromis sp. "Ndobhoi"
Pronunciation: ch-ln--kr-ms
Habitat: Shallow Precipitous Rocky Habitat
Diet: Omnivore
Gender Differences: Monomorphic
Breeding: Substrate Spawner
Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 5.5"
Temperature: 77 - 79°F
pH: 8.6
Water Hardness: Very Hard
Difficulty: 2
Comments:
The C. "Ndobhoi" has two vertical bands on the body that are broken up as an adult, which differentiates it from other Chalinochromis. The caudal fin is also slightly bent inwards, or partially forked. They dine of small crustaceans, insect larvae, and other live food that live in the aufwuchs. In eating this food, they also ingest sediment algae and sand. In the aquarium they can be fed on mysis shrimp, krill, flakes, pellets, mosquito larvae and artemia (brine shrimp)

[jtrotter77]

Copadichromis

Copadichromis azureus

Scientific Name: Copadichromis azureus
Pronunciation: k-p-d-kr-ms zh-r--s
Common Name(s): Haplochromis chrysonotus
Geo. Origin: Mbenji Island, Nkhomo Reef, Chimwalani Reef, & Maleri Islands.
Habitat: Intermediate zone
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 7.5"
Temperature: 78 - 82°F
pH: 7.8 - 8.6
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 2
Comments:
Females only grow to 5'', whereas males can get as large as 7.5''. Males from Mbenji and Nkhomo are the bluest forms of this species, with the Mbenji population being the largest. Like all other Copadichromis species, azureus feed on plankton found in the water column near reefs.

Copadichromis borleyi

Scientific Name: Copadichromis borleyi
Pronunciation: k-p-d-kr-ms br-l-
Common Name(s): Red Fin
Geo. Origin: Found at nearly every rocky habitat along the shoreline of Lake Malawi.
Habitat: Rocks
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Peaceful
Conspecific Temperament: Peaceful
Maximum Size: 8"
Temperature: 78 - 82°F
pH: 7.8 - 8.6
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 1
Comments:
Nicknamed the "Red Fin" because females and juveniles sport red fins, which contrasts beautifully with a grayish black body. A very mild mannered species. Multiple males and females will school together in the aquarium when not sexually active. Males are mildly aggressive during active courtship. Spawning takes place usually atop a rock or flat surface. This is certainly one of the fastest growing cichlids and "fattens up" quite easily.

Copadichromis trewavasae

Scientific Name: Copadichromis trewavasae
Pronunciation: k-p-d-kr-ms tr-w-vs-
Common Name(s): Mloto Likoma
Geo. Origin: Along the Tanzanian coast from Msisi to Manda as well as Cobue, Mozambique.
Habitat: Intermediate Zone
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Peaceful
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 6"
Temperature: 78 - 82°F
pH: 7.8 - 8.6
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 2
Comments:
While C. trewavasae has a large distribution, the two most common populations found in the hobby come from Likoma and Chizumulu Islands.

[jtrotter77]

Cynotilapia

Cynotilapia afra (Cobue)

Scientific Name: Cynotilapia afra (Cobue)
Pronunciation: s-n-t-l-p- f-r
Common Name(s): Afra Edwardi
Geo. Origin: Cobue, Mozambique
Habitat: Cavedweller in Rocky Habitat
Diet: Omnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 3"
Temperature: 73-81°F
pH: 7.5-9
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 2
Comments:
This is a dwarf mbuna from Cobue, Mozambique. Different afras from different locations look quite different from each other. The cobue male is quite colorful with yellow/ornage stripes on a blue-ish body. Females tend to be less colorful, brown body with a yellow edge on their dorsal fin.


Cynotilapia afra (Jalo Reef)

Scientific Name: Cynotilapia afra (Jalo Reef)
Pronunciation: s-n-t-l-p- f-r
Geo. Origin: Jalo Reef, Malawi
Habitat: Cavedweller in Rocky Habitat
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 3"
Temperature: 73-81°F
pH: 7.5-9
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 2
Comments:
Cynotilapia has a very wide distribution with a wide array of coloration. In the wild they are found in the open water, near rocks, where they primarily feed on plankton. Males are territorial. Spawning takes place in the male's territory - a large, dark cave found among large boulders. Females are non-territorial and form large schools in mid-water and feed on the plankton together during the day hours.


Cynotilapia afra (white top afra)

Scientific Name: Cynotilapia afra (Lundu)
Pronunciation: s-n-t-l-p- f-r
Common Name(s): Afra White Blaze
Geo. Origin: Lundu, Tanzania
Habitat: Cavedweller in Rocky Habitat
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 3"
Temperature: 73-81°F
pH: 7.5-9
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 2

[jtrotter77]

Cyphotilapia

Scientific Name: Cyphotilapia sp.
Pronunciation: s-f-t-l-p-
Geo. Origin: Deep Rocky Habitat
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Monomorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 15"
Temperature: 75 - 77°F
pH: 8.6
Water Hardness: Very Hard
Difficulty: 2


Cyphotilapia sp. "North" (Burundi)

Cyphotilapia gibberosa (Kitumba)

Cyphotilapia gibberosa (Mpimbwe)

Cyphotilapia gibberosa (Kapampa) Zaire Blue

[jtrotter77]

Cyprichromis

Cyprichromis leptosoma (Mpulungu)

Scientific Name: Cyprichromis leptosoma (Mpulungu)
Pronunciation: sp-r-kr-ms lp-t-s-m
Common Name(s): Blue Flash, Blue Neon, Neon Head
Geo. Origin: From Kasanga to Mpulungu
Habitat: Open Water
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 4.5"
Temperature: 77 - 79°F
pH: 8.6
Water Hardness: Very Hard
Difficulty: 2
comments:
Certainly one of the more popular Cyps in the hobby, this geographical variant is known by several nicknames: Blue Flash, Blue Neon, and Neon Head. The Blue Flash is the holotype for the species Cyprichromis leptosoma. It is found at the southern most end of the lake, from Kasanga, Tanzania to Mpulungu, Zambia. Specimens are collected at several locations, including Kasanga, Kambwimba, Isanga, Chituta Bay, and Mpulungu. Like all Cyprichromis leptosoma, it is found in 2 distinct color morphs: blue-tailed males and yellow-tailed males. It differs from the other 4 leptosoma in the following manner: Males are not as blue-bodied, but are primarily grayish-brown with a strong blue highlight on the head (hence the name Neonhead). Blue-tailed males have a light-blue anal and dorsal fins. The dorsal fin is speckled throughout with small, dark spots. Yellow-tailed males have a blue dorsal fin with a black band running along its base. The anal fin is also blue and may or may not be streaked with black markings.

Cyprichromis leptosoma (Kigoma)

Scientific Name: Cyprichromis leptosoma (Kigoma)
Pronunciation: sp-r-kr-ms lp-t-s-m
Geo. Origin: Kigoma
Habitat: Open Water
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 4.5"
Temperature: 77 - 79°F
pH: 8.6
Water Hardness: Very Hard
Difficulty: 2
Comments:
Found around Kigoma only. Like all Cyprichromis leptosoma, it is found in 2 distinct color morphs: blue-tailed males and yellow-tailed males. It differs from the other 4 leptosoma in the following manner: Blue-tailed males have a yellowish head with blue dorsal and anal fins. Yellow-tailed males also have yellowish heads but have white dorsal and anal fins.


Cyprichromis leptosoma (Utinta)

Scientific Name: Cyprichromis leptosoma (Utinta)
Pronunciation: sp-r-kr-ms lp-t-s-m
Common Name(s): Malasa Leptosoma, Neonback, Utinta Fluorescent
Geo. Origin: From Utinta to Samazi
Habitat: Open Water
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 4.5"
Temperature: 77 - 79°F
pH: 8.6
Water Hardness: Very Hard
Difficulty: 2
Comments:
The most common of the leptosoma kept in the hobby, the Neonback has become a staple Tanganyikan aquarium fish. It has the largest distribution in the wild, from Utinta Bay to Samazi, Tanzania. This includes many collecting spots: Utinta Bay, Ulwile, Kapemba, Nkondwe, Namansi Reef, Fulwe Rocks, and Samazi. Like all Cyprichromis leptosoma, it is found in 2 distinct color morphs: blue-tailed males and yellow-tailed males. It differs from the other 4 leptosoma in the following manner: Blue-tailed males are solid blue except for the tips of their ventral fins which have the characteristic light-yellow blotch. Some blue-tailed males may sport a single dark blue ocellus at the posterior tip of the dorsal fin. Yellow-tailed males have a blue body, light-blue anal fin and a blue dorsal fin. The signature mark of the yellow-tailed male is a bold yellow ocellus at the posterior tip of the dorsal fin. Some males may even have two ocelli, one yellow and the second dark blue.

[jtrotter77]

Cyrtocara

Cyrtocara moorii

Scientific Name: Cyrtocara moorii
Pronunciation: sr-t-kr- mr-
Common Name(s): Hap moorii, Blue Dolphin
Geo. Origin: Lake-wide distribution in Lake Malawi & also found in Lake Malombe.
Habitat: Open sand
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Monomorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Aggressive
Maximum Size: 9"
Temperature: 78 - 82°F
pH: 7.8 - 8.6
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 2
comments:
In the wild, C. moorii feeds exclusively by following F. rostratus, M. lateristriga, & T. praeorbitalis. These latter three fishes hunt by digging & subsequently filtering large amounts of sand through their gills. In the process, they stir up a great deal of detritus, exposing crustaceans and other small food items. Interestingly, C. moorii will defend its ''host'' against conspecifics and other followers (eg, P. annectens). When dominant or courting, males turn dark blue; otherwise, they usually display three dark blotches on their flanks.

[jtrotter77]

Dimidiochromis

Dimidiochromis compressiceps

Scientific Name: Dimidiochromis compressiceps
Pronunciation: d-m-d--kr-ms km-prs--sps
Common Name(s): Malawi Eye Biter
Geo. Origin: Lake-wide distribution
Habitat: Among reed stands & Vallisneria beds in sediment-rich bays.
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Peaceful
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 11"
Temperature: 78 - 82°F
pH: 7.8 - 8.6
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 2
Comments:
Non-territorial individuals from Chizumulu Is. & Cobue are golden yellow instead of silver. This species preys on juveniles (particularly Copadichromis spp.) hiding among plants. Its laterally compressed body helps it avoid detection. It has a large protrusible mouth that can reach out & suck in its prey. This large mouth also accomodates extra large spwans of 200-250!

Dimidiochromis strigatus

Scientific Name: Dimidiochromis strigatus
Pronunciation: d-m-d--kr-ms
Common Name(s): Haplochromis Sunset
Geo. Origin: Lake-wide distribution
Habitat: Shallow intermediate habitat
Diet: Carnivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Aggressive
Maximum Size: 11"
Temperature: 78 - 82°F
pH: 7.8 - 8.6
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 2
Comments:
D. strigatus is both a predator of small mbuna as well as an insectivore. Broods can number as many as 230!

[jtrotter77]

Iodotropheus

Iodotropheus sprengerae

Scientific Name: Iodotropheus sprengerae
Pronunciation: --d-tr-f-s sprn-gr-
Common Name(s): Rusty Cichlid
Geo. Origin: Boadzulu and Chinyankwazi Islands
Habitat: Sediment-Free Rocky Habitat
Diet: Herbivore
Gender Differences: Monomorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Peaceful
Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Maximum Size: 4"
Temperature: 78 - 82°F
pH: 7.8 - 8.6
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 1
Comments:
Realatively peaceful mbuna that will not dig. Due to this it might be harrassed by other, more aggressive species. Iodotropheus sprengerae was one of the earliest cichlids exported from the lake.

[jtrotter77]

Julidochromis

Julidochromis
Scientific Name: Julidochromis
Pronunciation: j-ld--kr-ms dk-fld-
Geo. Origin: Katete
Habitat: Sediment-Rich Rocky Habitat
Diet: Omnivore
Gender Differences: Monomorphic
Breeding: Substrate Spawner
Temperament: Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Aggressive
Maximum Size: 4"
Temperature: 77 - 79°F
pH: 8.6
Water Hardness: Very Hard
Difficulty: 2
Comments:
Julidochromis are omnivores, primarily feeding on crustaceans, insect larvae and molluscs found in the aufwuchs. They also ingest sand particles as well as filementous and diatomaceous algae. A diet in the aquarium could include mysis shrimp, mosquito larvae, daphnia, plankton as well as high quality flakes and pellets.

Julidochromis Dickfeldi


Julidochromis marlieri (Burundi)

Julidochromis marlieri (Gombe)

Julidochromis ornatus

Julidochromis regani

Julidochromis transcriptus

[jtrotter77]

Labeotropheus

Labeotropheus fuelleborni

Scientific Name: Labeotropheus fuelleborni
Pronunciation: l-b--tr-f-s f-l--brn-
Geo. Origin: Widely distributed
Habitat: Sediment-Rich Rocky Habitat
Diet: Herbivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Aggressive
Maximum Size: 7"
Temperature: 78 - 82°F
pH: 7.8 - 8.6
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 1
Comments:
Labeotropheus can be recognized immediately by the overhanging, fleshy snout. Males are usually bright blue with a red anal fin, females are silver-brown or orange-blotched.

Labeotropheus trewavasae

Scientific Name: Labeotropheus trewavasae
Pronunciation: l-b--tr-f-s tr-w-vs-
Geo. Origin:, Malawi
Habitat: Sediment-Rich Rocky Habitat
Diet: Herbivore
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Aggressive
Conspecific Temperament: Aggressive
Maximum Size: 7"
Temperature: 78 - 82°F
pH: 7.8 - 8.6
Water Hardness: Hard
Difficulty: 1
Comments:
L. trewavasae looks a lot like L. fuelleborni, but has a leaner body; therefore it can fit into small holes between rocks. The shape of the mouth is supposed to allow them to scratch algae from the rocks at an angle to minimize drag from streaming water. Colors can vary from place to place. Some males are completely blue, others have a partly orange body. Another combination is a blue body with a bright orange dorsal fin. Females and juveniles are usually orange.