Color Pattern Variability and Behavioral Correlates in the Firemouth Cichlid, Cichlasoma meeki

Color changing and behavioral context in the Amazonian Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma hippolytae (Perciformes)

“…The "shining" and "barred" patterns showed a considerable increase in the intensity of the background body color, which could be related to reproductive readiness (Neil, 1984a) and employed during courtship or in disputes for females, maybe a vigor sign (Maan et al, 2006(Maan et al, , 2008. The yellowish color of brood-caring females is characteristic of Apistogramma species, as well as the increase in conspicuousness of blotches and spots (Burchard, 1965; see examples in Römer, 2001).…”

“…Quick changes in color pattern are a common characteristic of cichlids (Baldaccini, 1973;Neil, 1984a;Nelissen, 1991), due to the superficial position of the cromatophores producing the characteristic marks of each pattern (Baerends & Baerends van-Roon, 1950;Hulscher-Emeis, 1992). The "plain" pattern probably constitutes a cryptic coloration, allowing the fish to be confounded with the pond substrate that is composed of light-colored organic debris.…”

“…The yellowish color of brood-caring females is characteristic of Apistogramma species, as well as the increase in conspicuousness of blotches and spots (Burchard, 1965; see examples in Römer, 2001). The combination of yellow and black marks is recognized as one of the most common warning patterns in animals (Endler, 1978;Neil, 1984a) and may be related to the aggressiveness of brood-caring females. The conspicuous black marks on the fins, especially in the pelvics is believed to be related to the mother's communication with their offspring, as already noted by Baldacini (1973) and Baerends (1993).…”

“…As far as we know, there are four studies quantifying coloration patterns of cichlids and associated behaviors. Baldaccini (1973) described nine color patterns related to 18 different behaviors in Tilapia mariae, and Neil (1984aNeil ( , 1984b described four color patterns in Cichlasoma meeki (= Thorichthys meeki) related to aggressive behavior, sexual and gonadal development. Hulscher-Emeis (1992) described the color patterns associated to 33 behaviors, separating them by sex and age class.…”

Dietary carotenoids and the complex role of redness in the behavior of the firemouth cichlid Thorichthys meeki.

“…Thorichthys meeki is a Central American cichlid commonly known as the firemouth cichlid because it has red coloration running ventrally from the mouth to the anal fin (Baerends & Baerends Van-Roon, 1950;Neil, 1984a). The degree of redness varies among individuals, and previous researchers suggested the red color is carotenoidmediated (Evans & Norris, 1996).…”