Lately I've been seeing more and more pics of what are supposedly G. winemilleri but I am starting to think that there are at least 2, if not 3 different species circulating through the hobby as winemilleri right now.
Here is a shot of some large wild caught winemileri that Jeff Rapps just received
These fish are probably a little stressed out and are in bare tanks but 3 things jump out at me right away.
1. The shape of the body spot. Very round.
2. The tail pattern. Spotted.
3. Color. Quite yellow and very little blue. Granted, probably not showing their optimum color but very different than mine.
Now, compared to my winemilleri
1. Body spot is more elongated.
2. Tail is most decidely striped.
3. Fis is quite red. Particularly the fins.
I notice that my fish are not nearly as high bodied as Jeff's either. This could be age related of course.
Oh, and for the record, my fish do have the black opercular markings. They just don't show up in the pics for some reason.
Now compared to other pics floating around the web.
These fish most remind me of what I have.
Any thoughts or input? Obviously coloration can be greatly affected by surroundings and diet but the tail pattern and spot shape seem to be pretty set traits. It's how many of the Geophagus species are identified.
Just for the record, my fish also came from Jeff Rapps as juveniles that were imported from Germany.
I'd like to see more pics of members here fish for comparison.
I'm also trying to find the original description to see if there are any hints that can be gleaned. If anyone has it, I'd love to read it.
Here is a shot of some large wild caught winemileri that Jeff Rapps just received
These fish are probably a little stressed out and are in bare tanks but 3 things jump out at me right away.
1. The shape of the body spot. Very round.
2. The tail pattern. Spotted.
3. Color. Quite yellow and very little blue. Granted, probably not showing their optimum color but very different than mine.
Now, compared to my winemilleri
1. Body spot is more elongated.
2. Tail is most decidely striped.
3. Fis is quite red. Particularly the fins.
I notice that my fish are not nearly as high bodied as Jeff's either. This could be age related of course.
Oh, and for the record, my fish do have the black opercular markings. They just don't show up in the pics for some reason.
Now compared to other pics floating around the web.
These fish most remind me of what I have.
Any thoughts or input? Obviously coloration can be greatly affected by surroundings and diet but the tail pattern and spot shape seem to be pretty set traits. It's how many of the Geophagus species are identified.
Just for the record, my fish also came from Jeff Rapps as juveniles that were imported from Germany.
I'd like to see more pics of members here fish for comparison.
I'm also trying to find the original description to see if there are any hints that can be gleaned. If anyone has it, I'd love to read it.