Please help to ID the following

[kaybee]

1) Labidochromis caeruleus. Sometimes the vibrant coloration of this species depends on the diet they're on. Also there are some morphs and genetic stock which aren't as yellow as the others.

2 & 3) Possibly a sub-adult male metriaclima sp. msobo in the midst of color transformation. Males are born solid yellowish-orange but become blue/black fish as they mature. In their transitional stage, they may vaguely resemble a yellow lab hybrids due to the yellowish coloration and black dorsal fin markings.

As an example, this fish


became this fish


Depending on how high it ranks in the tank's pecking order, the transformation may be completed by the end of the year. Definately of metriaclima origin what ever it is.

4-6) A probable melanochromis species of some sort, probably a male m. johanni or m. interruptus undergoing the same sort of color transition as the other fish (e.g, yellowish fish becoming black/blue fish). Give it a few months to complete the transition.

[Ryuu]

Kaybee- Wow thats amazing!!! What type of fish is that? I would love to include it in my Mbuna set up if it is a mbuna

[kaybee]

Ryuu, metriaclima sp. msobo (alternatively 'msobo deep' or 'msobo' for short).

When at selling age and still juveniles both genders are essentially solid yellowish-orange, sort of a 'american cheese' color, similar yet different from red zebras.

That's typically how they appear at the LFS or when smaller than 2.5". Males may have some 'lavender' type sheens to them. If you're fortunate, you'll find males which have commenced the transition (though they don't look all that attractive). I've never seen fully matured males at LFS's.

A fairly aggressive species, particularly directed against their own kind.

Time will tell if ladyoutlaw's fish is a msobo or not...but it definately looks like one.