[snowyangel]

Can you guess me? Calling Cichlid identity pros!

I've been keeping fish for over 6years but I'm rather new when it to some cichlids(I've just kept rams, severums, convicts and keyholes before).
I work at a humane society and these fish were left outside our building in a small plastic tank. Me being the fishy person at the shelter decided to adopt them knowing that some were firemouth cichlids. But the one big guy I haven't the clue. His fins are chewed up because he was also housed with a Parrot fish. He's about 4-4.5 inches in length, thick build and beautiful aqua markings and definitely loves his new cave and protects that. He sort of reminds me of jack dempsey or a texas cichlid but I'm hoping I'm proved wrong because I know the temperment and size of those guys. Any guesses from the cichlid pros of the one in the cave?? It's currently in a 30 gallon tank with loads of live plants, drift wood and caves. He shares it with 4 firemouths and 5 cories and a robust upside down catfish. Sorry for the shabby pics but he rarely comes out of the cave except for food.

 

[TheOldSalt]

Looks like a Jack Dempsey to me.

 

[TheOtherNewGuy]

looks pretty close to my dempsey

 

[ron v]

I agree a JD. I'm not so sure that the other fish is a firemouth tho. It could be but there are several members of the genus Thorichthys that are very similar, especially as sub adults. That may be a aureus which is a lot more unusual than a firemouth. In any case it is a beautiful fish.

 

[llamas]

I agree with Ron V that the "firemouth" looks like a different fish. If you see no aggresion or extra growth, you may be fine with it.

I also think we all agree on the fact that it looks like a JD. Maybe you can find someone who will give it a good home!

 

[llamas]

Firemouth cihclids tend to have more of a gray to brown body with a red belly. This one has a red belly but it's body is blue. I doubt it is a firemouth, but it is really cool!

 

[snowyangel]

Thank you so much for the replies folks! Well the other 3 smaller cichlids has the deeper red/orange bellies, just the one pictured is light coloured. When i googled firemouth cichlids they looked almost identicle but hey i could be wrong or maybe it's lighting of my camera....
I might have access to a larger tank in the future so maybe he'll be my display fish in there. Are JDs content and happy being alone?