AboutRon Coleman Expertise I am an expert on cichlid fishes, particularly New World cichlids. My broader expertise includes the behavior, ecology and reproduction of fishes in general. (I am NOT an expert on Goldfish). Please do not use abbreviations, such as "my GT has a swollen eye" because I don't know what a "GT" is. The more clearly you can explain your question, the better chance I have of understanding what it is that you seek. I keep fishes both as a scientist and as a hobbyist and I currently maintain about 140 aquariums.
Experience I am an Assistant Professor at the California State University, Sacramento in the Department of Biological Sciences, and I run a website, called the Cichlid Research Home Page . I also write for many popular aquarist magazines, and I am editor of Cichlid News magazine. I am a scientist and I spend my time teaching fish biology, ecology, behavior and evolution and doing research on the reproductive biology of fishes, particularly cichlids. I do research in the laboratory and in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Mexico. My main interest is understanding the evolution of parental care in fishes. I am interested in encouraging greater public awareness, understanding and participation in science.
Publications Cichlid News, Tropical Fish Hobbyist, Freshwater and Marine Aquarium, Science, Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology, Copeia, Canadian Journal of Zoology, Trends in Ecology and Evolution, AUK, Environmental Biology of Fishes
Question I adopted an African cichlid that had twice been returned to the pet store because he/she was so aggressive (I was looking for a tank mate for a large pleco that "played" too rough with smaller, milder fish. My students and I have come to adore this new member of the tank community and his antics. He digs up plants in his way, loves his cave, and recognizes us viewers. He is a mottled pinkish white and black with no flashes of brighter color, stubby rounded nose, nothing frilly or trailing about fins or tails. And yes, he is very aggressive and chases the 6" pleco out of his cave. He will not eat any food on the surface, but will eat anything that floats down to the gravel. I haven't been able to get a clear picture of him - he seems to recognize the camera and hides. Can you help me narrow down what kind of African cichlid he or she could be? Thanks for help!
Answer Hi Morrine,
Unfortunately that is pretty impossible without a photo -- there are over 2300 different species of cichlids. Any chance you can get a photo and send it?
-- Ron
rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>
