Kratos was just doing a taste test of you versus the pellets! Rule of thumb (or pinkie) is when a toothy cichlid is checking you out, they are CHECKING YOU OUT.
Sounds like that tank's gone to the devil already...
It started when he was around 3 to 4 in, mostly only when fry were in the tank.View attachment 1543637
At the time I called them tickle nipples. It wasn't till around 8in or so when he and his mouth had the size and teeth to to actually draw blood.
View attachment 1543638
I think it more so breaks down upon who we are talking about.
Citrinellus "Midas" are know to me more of an ambush predator. Hiding close to the river banks amongst the rocks waiting for a victim to swim by.
Labiatus "Red Devils" are more of a suckerfish with the big lips scraping algea all day
Saggitae are an open water hunter. Living out in the open parts of lakes having to chase down its food.