Apisto ID

[bettamuse]

I have two apistogramma that I can't ID. I'm hopeing some one can help me.

The second has a blue sheen and the strong baring becomes faint on what I think are the males.

Thanks for the help
Todd

 

[Mike Wise]

Well the first one looks like one of the many color forms of A. sp. Pebas. The second looks like A. cf. eunotus (Orangeschwanz/Orange-tail). I would be more certain with more data. Below is a suggested list of questions from a recent post that can help ID a fish. Try to answer as many of these questions as you can. It might help.

1. Do the photos show the fish's head/body shape accurately (as perpendicular to the camera as possible; not head on or tail on shots)?

2. Does it show the fish's finnage accurately (raised spines, spread tail)?

3. Does it show the fish's dark markings on the head, body and fins accurately? These are the most important diagnostic features on apistos. These dark markings are best seen on stressed/frightened males and females in a neutral mood. This is why it is helpful (to me) that photos of the female be provided if possible.

4. What was the name that the fish was sold as? Sometimes it hints at what it is; sometimes not, but it doesn't hurt to add this information.

5. How large is the fish in the photo? Juvenile/small specimens are next to impossible to identify down to species level. Size of mature specimens can be very useful.

6. Is the fish domestically bred? Most domestic fish are either accurately identified or at least have a commercial name that can be cross referenced.

7. Is the fish wildcaught? Wildcaught fish usually show diagnostic features better because they haven't been altererd by line breeding. If it is wildcaught, can you find out which country/region that the fish came from? If one can eliminate species from some areas, it helps to narrow down the possible species that it can be. Were there any contaminant (by-catch) fish in the shipment? Sometimes these 'oddballs' can indicate the country of origin of the apisto.

I know it is next to impossible to get all of this data, but if one can provide more information than just a photo, it can really help to identify your fish."

 

[bettamuse]

Thanks Mike,
Sorry, your quite right, I should have put as much info with the photos as I could

They are both from a wholesaler in Thailand. All are sold as males,

The first was apisto sp. Pebas around 5cm/2inch.
The Second was sold as A. Cruzi around 3cm.

Here are a couple of more photos of the second one. Unfortunately the fish are shy and don't come to the front of the tank.Zoom photos are a little blurry.

Cheers
Todd

 

[Mike Wise]

I will stick with my original IDs - fist is A. sp. Pebas (male); second A. cf. eunotus (Orangeschwanz) but it looks like it is a female (if it is already close to 1½"/3.5 cm TL).