More tank pics, updated

[FINWIN]

12 INCHES

The Super Firecracker Red phase. ALL black is gone. Brick has white fin edges. This color has never returned and not stable long term.



Here his fins are starting to darken to gray at the edges after a couple of months. The red remained solid but not much longer. The extreme red is getting less intense and more tomato red.

 

[FINWIN]

13 INCHES

Dramatic change with the return of melanin. Scale color pattern is bolder and less uniform .

 

[FINWIN]

14 INCHES

Black now spreads evenly giving a smoky look to the head, body and fins. Red darkens a bit and irregular white and black scales are in spots. Increased black across tail section.

 

[FINWIN]

15 INCHES

Not much change except orange scales now on sides as well. Body height increases slightly. Second pic is under incandescent light making him appear more orange. Body mass thickness now 3.5" matching his head.

 

[FINWIN]

More incoming soon...

 

[Americancichlidsaredabest]

Great interesting read!! Can’t wait for more

 

[FINWIN]

TRANSITIONS

Here are other changes in Brick from young adult to full adult. Mug shots below.

There's a structural reason for the famous Oscar 'bulldog' face and it has to do with facial enlarging and increase in lower jaw length.

Here's Brick's 'baby face'.
5 month profile
smooth, compressed oval shape
minimal underbite
curved upper lip
white/orange marble pattern on lower jaw




10 month profile
wider oval shape
mild underbite
curved upper lip
white/orange marble pattern on lower jaw



Young adult face getting heavier, especially at the bottom.

1 year profile
pear shape
moderate underbite
curved upper lip
white/orange marble pattern on lower jaw



At year three, getting the bulldog look...face thick and less smooth

3 year profile
wider square oval
deep underbite
slight flattening upper lip
jaw bones enlarging
gray/orange lower jaw



At year five, head is broad with the extreme 'frown' look. Jaw bones are thick.

5 year profile
square, boxy
long, steep underbite
moderate flattening upper lip
jaw bones prominent
orange lower jaw

 

[FINWIN]

Other transitions

Anal fin begins to overlap at 10 inches. Tail has brush shape



anal fin elongates at 11 inches. Tail rounds out



at 15 inches tail is spade shaped. Anal fin long.

 

[FINWIN]

White gill membrane at 1 year. Also note gill shape is a perfect half moon.



At year five, gill membrane heavier and extends to top curve of jaw. Note increased distance from eye to base of jaw and vertical line crease on gill plate more prominent. Head scales much coarser. Gill much larger with irregular "S" shape and extends around pectoral fin.

 

[FINWIN]

MOODS

Oscars are famous for moods. Here's a collection of Brick over time: some are from his younger days!

SULLEN
Brick sulked at water changes when young and refused to move, even when I finished. He's gotten much better about it now and patiently waits while laying on his side.