My latest crazy Msobo theory:

My two dominant male Msobos have both completed their color change, and both are colored up in blue-black with light blue pastel splotches. Each is satisfied to rule one half of the 55G.

The third male has largely gone through his change, but still has orange on his tail. His body language screams, "I'm no threat to either of you guys!" 4 of the 5 females are in with the 3 males; the other is holding and in her own tank.

I noticed tonight that the #3 male seems to have frozen in time in his color change... and is doing a pretty damn good imitation of the Acei and the Lab. Hongi male's colors! (To be fair, this is also a transitional color the other Msobo males went through.) He changes shades a lot, but I noticed he has matched the Hongi's lavendar body and, at different times, the Acei's blue tone. His still-orange tail mimics the yellow tail of the Hongi and the Acei.

Is this a known behavior for subdom males to mimic other species in the tank to "blend in"?

Gotta take and post some photos...

I would assume that to be a normal camo tactic! I've never witnessed it myself in my tanks though.

Also noticed tonight that the mimic Msobo hangs out at the top level with the Lab. Hongi male he imitates, who pretty much ignores him.

That Lab. Hongi holds the #1 spot in the tank pecking order, ahead of the two colored-up male Msobos and the dominant Acei male, in that order.

Makes me wonder: if the Acei were the top male in the tank would Msobo #3 get less lavender and more blue?

Thats really odd, i have never heard of this, mind you most of my fish are kept in species or all male tanks. I have no clue but i would have to second what Cturner said,
Brad

Well, my suspected "dominant female" was killed this weekend, so maybe I was wrong???

I'd like to see a pic of that fish, Don...I've heard of males taking on female characteristics and vice versa, but always of the same species, not another species.

Kim

I'm going through a big job change for the first time in 20 years, so I may have a short time slice here where I can actually enjoy my tanks and take some pics.

I can hear Preacherboy muttering, "Promises, promises..."

Not me, Don!

But I am glad that you may have some time for us here on the forum!

BTW, what kind of career change are you going through?

Totally different field or just a different employer?

Good luck with your career changes!