[JimNY]

I have 2 females auratas, I got a male tonight, the whole belly is white, do they change from yellow to white then brown or black? I ask b/c my 2 females are after him big time and then both females went to the bottom chasing each other in a continues circle.

 

[AC]

His belly should be black if he has completed his color change.

Post a pic if you can...

 

[JimNY]

he is all white belly, they all start out yellow so I figured he maybe is just starting the change from yellow to white then black, I hope

 

[AC]

The ones I had changed directly to black, but there has been noted slight differences in markings by areas of the lake they originate in

I'm thinking you might have another melanchromis species or a hybrid.

Take a look through these profiles.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/r ... ?genus=122

Pay special attention to the female pic of this species.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/s ... php?id=766

It has also been noted that male auratis can and will hold female colors for long periods after maturity.

I wish I could find 3-4 females in the local shops here.

Almost every time I attempt it they turn male and i have to get rid of them.

It seems some that supply the local shops must flush females to try and keep some exclusivity to their fish....