[NLW66]

Four foot long tank. pH 8.2 and stable. Substantial hardscape (lots of caves).

I have ten (10) unsexed juvenile Cyno sp. "hara (White top hara). Juveniles are approx two inches long. Also have six (6) juvenile Labeotropheus fuelleborni and eight (8) juvenile Metriaclima elongatus chewere. Goal is 1M 3-4 female. At times one of the hara will color up, but the color up is short term and sporadic. Anyone have experience with keeping hara colored up? Absolutely gorgeous fish when colored up. Hoping an expert on the forum has some insight and tips on getting the hara to color up on a long-term basis.

 

[noki]

Male color has to do with dominance and pecking order. And maturity. Some species turn their male color on and off than others.

If the male is not the alpha male, he may not stay fully colored. Depends on the otehr species. They seem pretty young still, so maybe this male may stay more colorful when adult.

 

[DJRansome]

The labeotropheus and elongatus have a more aggressive rep than the hara...you may want to try the hara alone and see if they color up better, then decide on tank mates.

Many fish color up best when fighting or spawning, you may see a calmer color at other times.