How to Identify Albino Red Top Cichlid

To identify Albino Red Top Cichlid (Pseudotropheus estherae), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Albino morph: Body is typically white to pale pink, sometimes with a yellowish tint. The dorsal fin, and often the upper back, displays vibrant red to orange coloration. Eyes are typically red due to the lack of pigment in the iris, characteristic of albinism. Some individuals may show faint, underlying vertical barring.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Albinism (lack of melanin), Red/orange dorsal fin and upper body coloration, Red eyes, Robust, somewhat elongated body typical of Mbuna cichlids

Dorsal fin

Long, continuous dorsal fin with spiny rays anteriorly and soft rays posteriorly. The spiny portion is typically red/orange, contrasting with the body.

Tail fin

Caudal fin is typically rounded to slightly emarginate, often matching the body color or having a reddish tint.

Pectoral fin

Paired pectoral fins are clear to pale, relatively small.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are pointed, often with a reddish hue, and may have egg spots on the anal fin in males, though these are less distinct in albino forms.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   Look for the characteristic white/pale pink body with red/orange dorsal fin and red eyes, indicative of albinism combined with the 'Red Top' trait.

2. 2

   Body Shape

   Observe the robust, somewhat compressed body shape typical of Mbuna cichlids, distinguishing it from more elongated or deeper-bodied cichlids.

3. 3

   Fin Structure

   Note the continuous dorsal fin and the presence of egg spots on the anal fin (more pronounced in males, though less so in albinos).

4. 4

   Behavior

   Its territorial and aggressive nature, especially towards conspecifics and similar-looking fish, is a key behavioral identifier in an aquarium setting.

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