Feedings of foods rich in carotene, such a krill, will accentuate the beautiful red coloration and should therefore be frequently provided. The scales exhibit a pleasing pearly outline which is more pronounced in males than in females. This attractive coloration is extremely showy and makes the red bay snook an attractive addition to a community tank of large cichlids of similar temperament. Regarding size, the Red Bay Snook can become quite large. While no obvious sexual dimorphism exists, some differences can be found between the sexes.
Males tend to grow larger than females of the same age.
Additionally, males tend to have a high number of highlighted, or outlined, scales. In addition, the intensity of color is greater in males than in females. Typically, females are fuller bodied. A few requisites are in order when maintaining Petenia splendida . First, large tanks are necessary due to the large adult size.