Texas Cichlid question

[Lydia]

I picked up what I believe to be a young adult female Texas Cichlid back in September. I never like them before and have no experience with these fish at all. But this one was very pretty and had some beautiful coloring overall - so thought it would be a great display for a single fish in my empty 50g cube!

But now I'm not so sure if this is a Texas or a hybrid. Body style, markings and ATTITUDE are definately Texas. Seems to have more coloring than a female, but not as brilliant as a male. Spots sometimes pearly, sometimes blue - sometimes brighter blues than others and the fins are really long and for the most part are coloring up red.

Now I'm noticing that at certain times the whole underside will be pretty red. Is that a normal trait of Texas? I'm trying to determine if this is a true Texas, a BAD Red Texas, a hybrid between Texas & Red Texas or some hybrid experiment - and secondary, the sex. This was a "crap shoot" buy I made in September - a local breeder traded her in and the LFS didn't have any info. I know this particular breeder plays with creating Bangkok's - so wondering if this was one of his rejects - noticed a torn place or possibly a deformed gill cover. Just thought I'd throw out the red coloring on the belly as being normal characteric of the Texas or not.

I will post a pic tonight. But I thought maybe the red underside may be significant enough information to someone who knows alot more about these fish than I do!!!

Thanks so much!!!


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[mistahoo]

My guess is some sort of hybrid. Pics will most definitely help

[allysangels]

pics and where did you find her? i let go of a large group of texas earlier this year.

[Lydia]

I got delayed, posting pics now.
Allysangels - I live in Beaumont, so doubt its one of yours!

[mistahoo]

Definitely not a texas cichlid. Maybe a bad red texas hybrid?

[Lydia]

Now you see why I'm so confused! When I bought it, was pretty much all gray with pearly spots, now has drastically changed. Turning into a beautiful fish, and very personable! Dots and coloring resemble Jack Dempsey alot! Oh well, as long as it doesn't get any bigger, will be a nice single fish display in 50g cube. Thanks so much!

[allysangels]

yeah, you're right it's definatley not one of mine, they were W/C and more olive/green then black/white during spawning. this almost looks like a flowerhorn cross to me.

[Lydia]

Yep, I'm pretty sure now this is one of his Bangkok rejects. I believe he's crossing Flowerhorns with either Texas or Jack Dempsey. When I first got it, other people thought it was a Texas hands down, but I just had a feeling................and then all this coloring began appearing......I was like uh-huhhhhhh. Glad I needed an interesting single fish for a conversation piece!!!

[allysangels]

this is a video of my texas cichlids. they lived in a 6 foot tank with a school of mexican tetras for dithers. i absolutley love the way they change color when they spawn. i miss this tank!!!