Male or female black belt

[philwood09]

Is this a male or female black belt cichlid? Pretty young still but if anyone can tell, let me know cheers.

Phil

 

[King Fisher]

I'd say a male. You'd know better when it's older.

 

[V227]

I'm with King Fisher; Male. Your fish has a solid black belt. Females usually have a broken or freckled belt pattern. The fish also has a disproportional long tail fin, another male trait. Like most new world cichlids, it's difficult to positively ID gender as juveniles. That fish will likely be a very colorful adult.

 

[philwood09]

Okay sweet cheers! was hoping it was a male so fingers crossed!!

 

[KristaButler]

Beautiful fish.