Male Cichlids (IMAGE) University of Maryland Caption The blotched color pattern is not beneficial for males, who must appear brightly colored to attract the greatest number of female mates (photo above shows normal male coloration at top and a fish expressing the blotched color pattern below). Credit Reade Roberts, University of Maryland Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.