[lotsofish]

One aulonacara red peacock fry has survived my African community tank and is now as big as its mother. It has a bit more color than mom and also has egg spots but doesn’t seem to be coloring up like a male or holding like a female. By this size, I’m sure dad was very colored. Do you think this fish is a sub-dominant male and won’t color up?

 

[Joea]

Do you think this fish is a sub-dominant male and won’t color up?

Maybe... can you post a picture?

 

[lotsofish]

Here's a picture of it:

Here's a picture of it with mom (top left):

Here's a picture of dad:

What do you think, male or female?

 

[lovemycichlids805]

Male!

 

[lotsofish]

Do you think he'll color up?

 

[FishandFire]

Your colored male is the dominant one in the tank right now. As the young one gets older he should develop some more color. Typically there is only one dominant male, so if the young one will ever color fully, he will have to take over the dominance roll. This could potentially cause damage or even death to the fish.