Apistogramma Borelli Female

[borellib]

Hey all - this is my female Borelli Opal. I’ve had her for over a year now and for the longest time thought she was male due to her coloration. Was quite surprised when she spawned!

I’m wondering if anyone else has seen a Borelli female like her? I’ve search all over the web and haven’t found anything yet. Thanks!

 

[anewbie]

If that first fish is the female then yes she is quite nice for a female. None of my 5 females show any colour. That first fish really looks like a male.

 

[Mike Wise]

Is this the only borellii in your tank? Were the photos taken at the same time?

 

[borellib]

If that first fish is the female then yes she is quite nice for a female. None of my 5 females show any colour. That first fish really looks like a male.

Yes, the picture above is her as well - taken a couple days ago. The latter was when she spawned about 6 months ago.

 

[borellib]

Is this the only borellii in your tank? Were the photos taken at the same time?

Hey Mike, she is for the time being - was thinking that could be the reason as well. But she’s always had the sheen and the markings around her face, though mildly less vibrant. The pics are roughly 6 months apart.

 

[MacZ]

Hmmm... All cases of sex change in cichlids that I know of have been female to male, not the other way round. I'm sceptical.

 

[anewbie]

Hmmm... All cases of sex change in cichlids that I know of have been female to male, not the other way round. I'm sceptical.

But that would be the case here - as the first picture is her currently and the 2nd picture is her 6 months ago.

 

[Mike Wise]

Appears sex reversal to me. Question is, can she now spawn and produce viable fry?

 

[borellib]

Just a quick update, I introduced a male - who she is NOT a fan of a week or so ago. She’s slowly looking more yellow and him more blue - this is the most I’ve seen since getting him and seemed pretty lighting-dependent. It’s funny because with her red face and in most lighting they look nearly identical while whizzing by.

PS please don’t mind the tank - in the middle of redoing/replanting