A smaller growing, absolutely beautifully colored cichlid. Adult coloration will be a combination of violet, purple and green to golden hues spread liberally throughout with black dots or 'sprinkles'. Females are distinguished by a smaller size from the larger, chunkier males. Individuals of this species will be a relatively peaceful cichlid in the aquarium. Beware of stocking a spawning pair in community tanks! They are very protective - aggressive - parents. A six foot long tank is recommended as the minimum size for keeping this cichlid as spawning pairs, in 'mixed' species community tanks. Stock with tank mates that are 'robust' and hardy in nature, but not so large in size they will just simply eat your pair!