Documentation of color transformation

[kaybee]

I just wanted to post a few progression pics of one of my male metriaclima msobo's as it matured from a small juvenile to a larger adult size.

Members of the species are born yellowish-orange:
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The color transition commences, its yellow-orange color being gradually replaced:
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In this transitional stage the male msobo looks like some sort of mbuna hybrid, being neither yellowish or black/blue:
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The final color stage is achieved:
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[Red]

That it is pretty wicked....... how long did that take?

[sandy_n]

Gorgeous coloring. :c3:

[kaybee]

It took about 10-12 months to make the full transition.

I was limited to 4 images and was unable to include these two pics in my first post:

This stage would be placed between pic #2 & #3:
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This stage would be placed between #3 & #4:
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This is the alpha male. His presence forced a subordinate male to assume muted colors (making him greatly resemble a pseudotropheus socolofi). I placed that male in a separate tank and he was able to display full coloration as well.

[dobbr20]

Great coloration on that fish, and good job on the photography!!

[angelcakes]

awesome colourings on the fish:19: :19: :19:

[smcurry83]

Awesome pictures! I wish I would have thought to do that with my male kenyi and auratus...

[Ryuu]

Oh it deleted my other post i said wow absolutly amazing, hopefully the rustys will change into somthing beautiful like urs

[Incredulous_Ed]

Very, very beautiful fish!

[ladyoutlaw50]

what a beautiful fish!!! Great pictures!!:19:

[skinni]

wow that is just awesome. thanks for posting the transition