Apistogramma Bitaeniata Tefe

[TankWatcher]

Apistogramma Bitaeniata Tefe ????

Here is a picture of my male Apistogramma Bitaeniata Tefe, at least that is what LFS sold him to me as. Someone else who saw a picture of him said that he might not be a Tefe, due to his blue face but one of the Peru Bitaeniata varieties. If anyone can help me pin point which type of Apistogramma Bitaeniata he is, that would be great. Thanks very much in advance for any replies.

 

[Mike Wise]

It looks like a typical Peruvian A. bitaeniata to me, too. Brazilian forms have less blue spangling on the face & opercula, having more yellow instead. They also have a more distinct second abodominal band than Peruvian forms. Brazilian forms tend to be more slender, too. That being said, the Tefé forms (there is more than one) tend to be intermediate between the two general forms, with attributes of both Peruvan forms and those from farther down the Solimões (Brazilian Amazon above Manaus). Your fish is very Peruvian in appearance. Still, it is a beautiful specimen - as is the aquarium.

 

[TankWatcher]

Thanks Mike. So, do I just call him a Apistogramma Bitaeniata Peru?

Thanks for the tank compliment too. In case your interested, here is a full shot of the home he shares with his mate, 2 pencil fish & 2 otos. I've tried to incorporate lots of hiding places, visual barriers along with my love of a planted aquarium.

 

[Mike Wise]

Since you can't be certain from where your fish came, just call them A. bitaeniata.

 

[TankWatcher]

Thanks Mike

 

[fernandoperini]

this unit would not be apistogramma Bitaeniata Mamuri?

 

[Mike Wise]

I doubt it. A. bitaeniata (Mamuri) comes from near Manaus and is the typical "Brazilian" form of A. bitaeniata. The fish shown is much more "Peruvian" in appearence.