Lethrinops sp. "Red Cap"

[why_spyder]

Anyone with experience with these, how long does it take for the red cap to come in? I have a pair and the male is gorgeous - minus the red cap. The adults are around 3.5"-4" so they are basically full grown or close to it.

The male isn't being dominated by any of the mbuna so he really has no reason to hold back - and often struts for the female.

I have the (Itungi (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=2311)) ones, so there should be some red on him at some point. So how much more patient do I need to be? ;)

[emartin]

What size tank, how many females, and what are the other tankmates? Are you sure there is no red? Pink maybe?

They are mentioned as getting up to 4.5" on cichlid forum (nothing in Ad Konings' book since he hasn't been to the tanzanian side of the lake except that he believes (well, speculates) that the red caps may actually be a member of the genus Tramitichromis not Lethrinops)) but my guess is if yours live long enough it should be able to grow another one to maybe even three inches if you are lucky.

~Ed

[Obi]

I bought mine as adults, so I can't help you as far as when the red cap comes. But he is 6.5 inches now, so they do get bigger than what most people think. I'd say just be patient, as long as you're sure he's a male. If he has any color at all he's a definite male as the females stay strictly silver with just a touch of red on the dorsal. You might want to try removing the mbuna as they are a pretty timid fish. I put one peacock in with mine and he virtually stopped breeding.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m244/Obi44/IMG_1297.jpg

[why_spyder]

Ed,

Right now I have just a pair, picked them up at a local aquatics meeting from a gentleman that spawned them (so I know its a male and female). Currently, all of the males colors are full and vibrant minus the cap. In the place of the cap - it is just a dull brown (my wife agrees with me).

For now I'll have to settle for the pair until I can locate any other females.

Obi,

Is that 6.5" total length or from mouth to end of caudal peduncle (total length - length of caudal fin)? I have considered removing all mbuna as well, but for now I've just went with switching species around - removing larger, bolder species for smaller specimens.

I just got these fish on the weekend so I know there is a chance he just needs to settle in but I thought I'd get opinions.

[fischfan13]

I picked up two pair from the ACA Convention. In the tank at the Convention they were decent looking with nice bodies. After they settled in (NJ water!) they have looked unbelievable. The caps are brilliant red and they have grown even more. Give them a chance to settle in...they will be fine.

[Greg B]

I have 6 that I got as fry and they are now about 2 - 2.5 inches. The dominant male is starting to show a decent size red cap. I have them with 7 Placidochomis sp. "Jalo" that I got at the ECC Spring auction. I guess each fish is a little different for when they will show their full coloration.

[fischfan13]

Greg, I believe that the Red Caps that you have are the fry of the award winning group that Larry Jinks has/had.
Tom will verify this.

[AlishanAS]

Greg - did you get the Red caps at a NJAS auction or the ECC auction? If so they are probably from Larry's group. The father of the group had won several times in competition.

[zebra7]

I believe the group of Red Caps Larry has was given to him by Jack Borgese. Jack may have fry as well growing out.

[Greg B]

My message was a little confusing, I got the Placidochromis at the auction and the Red Caps from Fishguts. I was really after the Larry Jinks Red Cap, but I have limited tank space, so I stopped bidding. I think they only sold for about $25.

[AlishanAS]

My message was a little confusing, I got the Placidochromis at the auction and the Red Caps from Fishguts. I was really after the Larry Jinks Red Cap, but I have limited tank space, so I stopped bidding. I think they only sold for about $25.

Greg-the red caps went for more than twice that, I believe.

[Greg B]

I guess we could have Bill check, but I think I could have had the bag for $27 and they went to BovsBaitboxes as the last bidder. Is there a chance of more Larry Jink's Red Caps in Oct?

[AlishanAS]

The bag that I brought in was from Larry's stock and went for $55.00, according to Bill. I don't recall if anyone else brought a bag in or not.

I have a quad of Larry's red caps from the same spawn as the ones brought into the April auction. I haven't decided if I'll keep them or bring them on October 10.

[fischfan13]

467 items auctioned off...I found Red Cap Lethrinops "Itungi" for $55.
When I finish rearranging my socks drawer, put my dress shirts in the closet hung up by alphabetical order by their color and hand trim the lawn around the pavers I will check the other 466.:becky:

[AlishanAS]

467 items auctioned off...I found Red Cap Lethrinops "Itungi" for $55.
When I finish rearranging my socks drawer, put my dress shirts in the closet hung up by alphabetical order by their color and hand trim the lawn around the pavers I will check the other 466.:becky:

We know you have nothing but time Bill. And while you're there get your shine box.

[why_spyder]

Well regardless of the red cap situation.... the pair spawned this morning for me (while I eagerly watched :D).

[AlishanAS]

Well regardless of the red cap situation.... the pair spawned this morning for me (while I eagerly watched :D).

A fish voyeur, eh? Great news.

[why_spyder]

Just a quick update, it looks as though there is a hint of red coming through on the male's forehead so hopefully it will continue to come through. I see I have one of my L. sp. "Deep" Malopa males coloring up in the same tank (a good 1.5"-2" smaller) - maybe his development will push the "Red Cap" to fill out.

[AlishanAS]

Is your female still holding?

[Spooky_Fish]

I got a bag of Jinks' red caps at the NJAS benefit auction.
The caps started showing strong over the last few weeks.
Very nice fish.

[why_spyder]

Is your female still holding?

Yes, the female is still holding. I left her with the male in the main tank and he has pretty well left her alone. It will interesting to see how many fry she has this round - the previous owner's last spawn was around 20 fry.

[why_spyder]

Anyone on here have photos of the "Red Cap" Chirwa's? I've seen photos of Nick A's (gorgeous) but was hoping one or two others had photos of theirs as well.

Also, does anyone have photos of Itungi fry/juveniles?

[why_spyder]

As I stated on another thread on here, I have come to the conclusion that these are in fact the Chirwa variants based on coloration and size. Anyways, here is an updated video of the male in action.

UNzDe6F2BJk

[fischfan13]

Very impressive!
I love the dorsal on Lethrinops.