Apistogramma Androgeny

[Hassles]

Apistogramma Androgeny

I have bred 2nd generation A.cacatuoides (double red) from German bred parents. I reared a surplus of females and find they have developed the redish caudal fin patern so indicative of the males. Now I am under the belief that such traits are never found in wild caught fish but that this does occur in some aquarium strains. However, some of these (female) fish also exhibit red tips to the dorsal fin membranes along with anterior extensions! Could my fish truly be androgenous? This most androgenous specimen, prior to the obvious development of anterior extension, mothered a brood with a gorgeous triple-red male so I shall be anxiously awaiting the outcome as the fry develop. Has anyone heard of or experienced such in the past?

 

[dw1305]

Hi Hassles,
I haven't got a photo at present, but I'll get one this evening of my oldest female double red cacatuoides, she has bred successfully many times, but not recently and is almost 4 years old. I think you will be quite interested in her appearance.
cheers Darrel

 

[dw1305]

Old female A. cacatuoides, with some male characterstics.

Hi all,
Here she is (centre of picture), male is on the left facing us, and he normally ignores her.

cheers Darrel

 

[Hassles]

yep - just like that

G'day Darrel, thanks for posting that image. I shall have to make atempts at uploading an image myself somehow.

Yep - thats just what the caudal fin looks like. If I manage to get a half-decent image I shall make further comment then.

take care