P. roloffi "Samba" question

[Nebraska_cichlids]

I've got a question. I bought some of the roloffi Samba that are currently available in the U.S. My specimens are very shy but seem to do well. Today I saw one of the fish in a "Samba tank" zooming by the front glass at feeding time. Its tail root was extremely dark, almost black. Could the intensive coloration be a sign of courting/spawning? It's impossible to get a good look at the fish in this tank.

 

[tjudy]

I have some, but I keep them in a planted aquarium and almost never see them. I have not seen the color that everyone is raving about.

 

[ste12000]

Hi guys, whats the 'samba' name?? not something ive come across before, what differentiates samba from normal P.roloffi???

 

[tjudy]

It is a new import. I have not seen any verification that it is not just a name tacked onto the same fish, but several people who have teh SAmba describe it as being a lot more spotty.

 

[wethumbs]

My male "Samba" looks just like other roloffi males. The female is the one that's a bit different. She has a few more spots at the base of the dorsal fin as compare to other roloffi females. Their 1st spawn was 167. Right now, I got a second spawn and the male has been sitting in front of the cave most of the day just like before.

My pair has been pretty outgoing as compare to the other roloffi (Kolente). The Kolente pair on the other hand is extremely shy as compare to the Samba. As for the dark tale root on the male, I have yet to see that on any roloffi male (Samba or Kolente). I have seen a dark spot on the male where the caudal peduncle meets the tail. Are you sure you have a Samba male? I have posted Samba pics on this forum back in July this year, check if yours look like the ones I have posted.

I had a chance to ask Anton about the "Samba", his professional opinion was 'just another roloffi'.

 

[Nebraska_cichlids]

I caught another glimpse of the male today; seems like the black coloration is gone. It's tough to say for sure, though, as mine are extremely shy. I would agree with the comments by the other forum members. As of today, I have yet to see the great coloration the fish were praised for when arriving in the U.S.

Wethumbs, did yours color up in a meaningful way when in breeding coloration?

 

[wethumbs]

The dark lateral band will become very pronounced on the male once the fry appoach free swimming stage. Otherwise, the male looks exactly the same as any other day or any other roloffi from other localities. The female is slightly more colorful (more purple belly and overall darker coloration) during the pre-spawn courtship as compare to "Kolente" female. The only sign of any spawning has taken place is by observating a change in female behavior which is typical on all Pelvicachromis.