apistogramma hongsloi male or female

[lea]

Hello,

I bought these as a pair a week ago. At first noticed, that they are the same size, around 4cm in length.
Ordered them by post and during unpacking noticed that one was pale, while the other dark in colour, today the pale one is more yellow and dark one is more blue.
Purchased them from Czech breeder and he ensured me, that they are pair.
Want to believe him, but that they are same size makes me unsure...
Can you share your opinions please.

thank you

DARK MALE?

YELLOW FEMALE?

 

[Mike Wise]

Look like one of each sex to me. They are still young. The male will start growing larger than the female soon.

 

[MickeM]

I agree with Mike!!
As long as the male can fight down/compete with your male of Ap. macmasteri.., he will probably establish a territory on his own
and you will have a real nice pair/couple in a month or so!!
If he can not .. he might not grow at the same speed!!! (And not show his "mature" colours until he can dominate an area..)

It looks like they are in a good condition though!!

 

[lea]

Thank you both!
So, MickeM, you think its Ap. macmasteri? well, I purchased them as sp. aff. viejita II, but probably you are right, as those are very rare.
Viejita male is quite peaceful, female is the biggest chaser, but little hongslois are brave too. Will move hongsloi to different tank, if they won't establish teritories.

 

[Mike Wise]

AFAIK all fish sold commercially as "viejita II" are A. macmasteri, like yours. The true A. viejita has only been in the hobby for the past 6 months or so and sold as "A. viejita" - at a rather high price.

 

[lea]

I paid 33£ for a pair, probably too much as for macmasteri..