Laetacara ID

[Chandz]

Hi, I need some help to please identify my Laetacara pair.

I originally thought they were L. curviceps based off this info:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324728249_Update_of_diagnoses_information_on_distribution_species_and_Key_for_Identification_of_Laetacara_species_Teleostei_cichlidae_Cichlasomatini

Then recently I read these old threads and was leaning more towards L. dorsigera:

L. dorsigera or curviceps?

Hi - I have a group of 4 juvenile Laetacaras in my 33 gallon tank. They were sold as curviceps, but I'm doubtful and wonder if they're dorsigera. Right now, they're about 1.5" or so long. Here are links to a few pics (sorry they're not better, but my camera is a point and shoot with no...

www.apistogramma.com

Laetacara dorsigera vs. curviceps

Hello all, What are the distinguishing features of Laetacara dorsigera in contrast to L. curviceps? I have read that L. dorsigera is generally more common in the US since it is more easily farmed outdoors than the latter, and that they are often mislabeled as L. curviceps. For example, the...

www.apistogramma.com

Laetacara curviceps

Hi everyone, I have kept both dorsigera and curviceps before. Recently I bought a group of 6 juvenile curviceps to grow out and hopefully get a pair or two from. However I am a little concerned by this group, as I think they may be curviceps cross dorsigera. Here are some photos...

www.apistogramma.com

I also noticed a lack of dorsal spot on the female.

Here's some videos and photos attached.

Thanks in advance

 

[Mike Wise]

Look like L. curviceps (blue morph) to me. L. dorsigera typically have a broader supraorbital band (between eyes and over forehead).

 

[Chandz]

Look like L. curviceps (blue morph) to me. L. dorsigera typically have a broader supraorbital band (between eyes and over forehead).

Thank you Mike!

I'm trying to quickly get a video of them in a different mood which I'll post shortly.

Are the old threads I posted above still relevant to ID them or has the info changed?

 

[Chandz]

Look like L. curviceps (blue morph) to me. L. dorsigera typically have a broader supraorbital band (between eyes and over forehead).

Finally managed to get a video which is hard as they currently have lots of tannins and floating plants in their tank. Also doesn't help that I had to clean the water markups which scared them.

The male has been chasing the female so they should be showing more stressed markings.

 

[Hellfishguy]

Definitely curviceps. The white edge on the rear of the dorsal plus the lack of a red breast during breeding confirms it.

 

[Chandz]

Definitely curviceps. The white edge on the rear of the dorsal plus the lack of a red breast during breeding confirms it.

Thanks! Previously Mike Wise said that these species are polychromatic so color is not the best diagnostic feature.

 

[Hellfishguy]

Body shape is also an indicator. Curviceps are more elongated as opposed to the stockier dorsigera. In addition, fully grown curviceps males have very long ventral fins. The two species are actually fairly easy to differentiate if you know what to look for.

 

[Chandz]

Body shape is also an indicator. Curviceps are more elongated as opposed to the stockier dorsigera. In addition, fully grown curviceps males have very long ventral fins. The two species are actually fairly easy to differentiate if you know what to look for.

Okay, thank you!

 

[Mike Wise]

Definitely curviceps. The white edge on the rear of the dorsal plus the lack of a red breast during breeding confirms it.

There are at least 3 color morphs of L. dorsigera that I know about: red-breast, blue (easily confused with L. curviceps), and black. Of the 3 morphs I believe only the red-breast displays the red during breeding/guarding fry.