[silkysantana]

Does a Kenyi male not change color only if its another Kenyi male that is dominant or would it keep from changing color if there is an Aratus male that rules the tank ?

I have a male Kenyi but he just wont fully change color I can see his yellow but he just wont fully switch its like he its trying to keep it under wraps and he hides a lot stays behind a rock or inside of it

Please any comments will help I am new to this just started in February :-?

 

[Timkat4867]

I dont think I fully understand your question,

Im not an expert on kenyis,

but I have 2 male kenyis and 1 male auratus in the same tank, along with a bunch of other fish.
one kenyi is more dominant, and by the same token, the auratus isnt the bully of the tank. and the kenyi havent changed color.

did that help you any?

 

[silkysantana]

sorry ...
I guess I am asking if an Aratus is the king of the tank would the Kenyi keep from changing color or does it have to be another Kenyi that keeps him from changing color

does that make more sense
I guess if my Aratus doesnt have anything to do with my male Kenyi not changing color then why wont he and why does he hide

 

[noki]

Its all about pecking order. If the male Kenyi is not the top boss, since the Auratus is now, he may not feel comfortable and confident to turn on his color full. It doesn't matter what species is the the top boss, Auratus or Kenyi

It all depends, it tends to be variable... in some tanks a Kenyi might go all yellow even if an Auratus was boss, in another tank your Kenyi feels intimidated and will not change all the way.

Lots of variables, such as size of the tank, and how many fish in the tank (crowded or not), how many males are there in the tank to compete with...

 

[CICHLUDED]

Agreed,

Dominance plays a big factor in the color of most African cichlids…

So most likely it is the auratus that’s keeping him from fully coloring up…

 

[Timkat4867]

Ok yes I understand,

So the one that is trying to change, is he still blue and trying to turn yellow? i take it that they are juvies.

I dont know whats happening, maybe hes a little timid and the other fish are aggressive and thus he hides.

Maybe in time it will happen. Patience is the key.

Maybe someone else can tune in and give you some better info.

 

[silkysantana]

Okay cool thanks that answered my question Thank you all again ...believe it or not the Aratus male is the small guy of the tank and he is a meanie and yes they are all juvies i have total of 11 cichlids....
2 female aratus - Horizon & Sassy
1 male aratus - Bully
4 electric yellows - Pikachu, Willie, Scooter & Baby
2 kenyi - male female
1 socolofi albino - Snow White
1 red empress male - Flashy
and its an 84 gallon tank 6 feet long 19 inches high however i started with a 30 gallon all same cichlids minus 1 female aratus and 1 electric yellow ...i have wathed them grow its been an experience but they are no where near full grown they are only 3.5 inches and under