cincelichthys bocourti

Cichlasoma” bocourti reach a length of at least 12 inches (30 cm). Juvenile coloration is basic light brown with vertical barring spanning the entire length of the fish. The adult fish have rightfully earned the nickname golden mojarra (golden cichlid). Adults are brightly colored with a golden sheen of yellow, green and orange over the entire body. Vertical barring spans the length of the adult fish, but not quite as distinct as the juveniles. There is no apparent difference in the sexes with the exception of the females getting a little more rotund through the abdomen. The adult males generally have slightly longer dorsal and anal fins. However, these differences are not always readily apparent. The most reliable method of sexing is to simply observe the behavior pattern of the fish. The males generally are much more territorial and aggressive.