Quote:
Originally Posted by aquadude  hmmm well i looked up different species of Geophagus and i concluded that it was either a Geophagus taeniopareius or a Geophagus "Altamira". There were pictures online that look very similar to the one i have. Anyone have a different opinion? |
I am no expert for sure, I am just giving my opinion.
I wouldn't think it would be Geophagus Taeniopareius as that fish has a very distinct line that runs through the eye and down to the cheek area. It also has a lot of spangling throughout the body very similiar to Geophagus Brasiliensis although not as drastic.
You may be onto something with Geophagus "Altamira". The problem goes back to how many varients, the same fish species collected from a different place, there are. With Geophagus "Altamira", that is a Geophagus, with no species name, collected around the town/city of Altamira. Normally when you see this name it is listed as Geophagus sp. "Altamira". Just meaning they know the Genus of the fish is a geophagus but are unsure of the exact species. So the list it like this along with the collection point, Altimira, so you know where the fish has come from. Most Geophagus are coming out of Brasil, Venezuela, a few from around the borders of Colombia.
Back to Geophagus "Altamira", if we go with that name you have a Geo from the area of Altimira. There is a river there, Rio Xingu, where we know for sure Geophagus have been collected. We also know there is a Geo named Geophagus Altifrons "Xingu". So that fish is an Altifrons collected on the Rio Xingu. With what you found and what I originally said I believe you have Geophagus Altifrons. Could it be Geophagus Altifrons "Xingu" or Geophagus sp. "Altamira"...could be. This goes back to what I originally said also about there being so many varients of G. Altifrons. Chances are those 2 fish are the exact same species, both collected on the Rio Xingu, one found right at the city of Altimira and one collected either upstream or down stream from the city. So the one collected right at the city of Altimira is labeled as Geophagus sp. "Altimira" and the other is named for the river it is collected on rather than a city. Without knowing exactly where the fish came from and from whom you may never know for sure, I am just giving my opinion to what I believe it could be to try and help you out. Let it grow some and we may know for sure. The nice thing about you being in San Diego is there are lots or great shops in the area, or at least there was when I lived there. If you like Geo's and decide to get more, also ask where the fish came from and get the full name they have. If they don't know the name ask where it came from then you have a shot at contacting them and finding out for sure what fish they sent. Good luck with the fish.
Brian
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I agree with Toddnbecka, definatly looks like a Geophagus of some sort.
