Thank u. The big female I've had for about 3yrs since young. The 2 mosaic looking pups I've had about 6 months since tiny. (1m1f). the big male, and the smaller female were in between.
As far as light colored substrate, they're going into my 1000gal in the next couple weeks. It is solid white pond shield, bare bottom. I feel the same way. Lol. Will post pics when they're in.