Is this an A. baenschi?

[Greg]

I thought I purchased a pair of A. baenschi females but it soon became obvious they were a male/female. This guy seems a bit dark for baenschi but he's my first apisto.

https://flic.kr/s/aHsk7EYPt3

The female was much more colorful. He doesn't have much of a dorsal fin either.

https://flic.kr/p/r65nuF

Sl my questions are 1) is this A. baenschi and 2) should I be concerned about his lack of a dorsal fin? Thanks.

(pardon the flickr links, I'll figure out how to post images and video this aft!)

 

[Mike Wise]

Sorry, but the photos are good enough for me to recognize the species.

 

[Greg]

Thanks Mike. I'll try to get something better.

 

[rr16]

With A. nijsseni group species (A, nijsseni, A. panduro etc) I've found that the males can sometimes be quite dark when they are younger, particularly if stressed, but this seems to depend on individuals. You'll also probably need more light on the pictures and pictures of them in different postions, with fins spread as well to get an idea. The secondary sexual characteristics can take some time to develop too - the fin extensions, colours etc. and some A. nijsseni group juveniles can look similar until these secondary sexual characteristcs have developed.

 

[rr16]

Also, why is it obvious they're male and female?

 

[Greg]

I'm not 100% certain (and I'm a beginner so going out on a limb) but they seemed to exhibit strong dimorphism. The female's background was much lighter colored and she was smaller - maybe 2/3rds the size? It was very obvious after 2 or 3 days which of the pair was dominant.
I think I might have got away with it if I'd added some caves and/or more plants. Everything I read says these are best kept in harems so perhaps it was never the best idea.

 

[rr16]

Have you managed to get any other photos?

 

[Greg]

G'day. I managed to get a few more. The quality is not good as I'm using my iphone 6:

Thanks!

 

[Mike Wise]

Sorry, not good enough for me to say anything.

 

[Greg]

Sorry for the delay in replying and thanks.
He's doing fine and I'll soon have more company for him