mystery cichlid

Question
Hi Lynda,
I was in one of the local pet stores in the city. They had the most amazing cichlid id ever seen in one of their display tanks. Of course no one knew what type it was as they didnt sell them in the store. I was hoping you could maybe take a guess as to what it was. The tank seemed to have mostly africans in it. The fish was bright yellow, with black and deep orange spots on the front half of its body. It almost didnt look real. If you have any idea, or know who else I might want to ask, please let me know. I really would like to own one of those mystery cichlids. THANKS


Answer
Hi Armad,
It is almost impossible for me to know what cichlid this is.  It surely was an african cichlid.  African cichlids are very hard to identify seeing as many of them interbreed.  The pet store owner should know which kind of fish this is.  He orders them, he should know.  Look up " lithochromis xanthopteryx " and tell me if it looked like this one.  You could also look up "Nyererei fish pictures" and maybe you would find him there.  Keep in mind that some African Cichlids change colour once they are adult.
Hope this helps.
Lynda