Thoughts on these fish from Imperial Tropicals?

[Homeslice]

I was looking at the fish at this link:

Electric Blue Texas Cichlid (Herichthys carpintis)

Such beautiful looking fish. I was thinking of ordering a few. But doing some research, I think, going by the species name they list, those are actually Carpintis cichlids, not the Electric Blue Texas Cichlid that they list. Texas Cichlids are an entirely different species I believe (although they can be somewhat similar looking for sure it seems). Would them calling the fish by that technically incorrect name bother anyone, i.e. get them thinking that maybe those are not really Carpintis chichilids, but Texas cichlids or some mix? Or do people do that sort of thing all the time?

Thanks!

 

[BigManAquatics]

Horrible on cichlid ID myself, but it definitely isn't unheard of online and in stores for fish to be mislabelled, especially since some are so similar to each other in looks. Doesn't help much that the photo is certainly a stock photo and not an actual picture of the fish you could be ordering from.

 

[carsonsgjs]

I think it is quite common for herichthys carpinitis (pearlscale cichlid) and herichthys cyanoguttatus (texas cichlid) to be confused/mislabelled.

 

[Homeslice]

Thanks BigManAquatics and carsongjs. I'm OK if they are just mislabled, but I just want to know what the exact species of fish I am getting is! Would you guys say they are very likely listing the correct species (Carpintis), but just calling them Texas because they mislabled that for whatever reason? Or do you think they might not have even listed the correct species?

Thanks!

 

[chromedome52]

Both species are commonly referred to as Texas Cichlids. Herichthys carpintis has been known as the Green Texas Cichlid dating back several decades, among other names.

The fish in the link appears to be either a new color form, or possibly a hybrid. Hybrids between carpintis and cyanoguttatus are very common commercially and can be difficult to distinguish from the parent species. Also, the Frankenhorn community has developed many odd color strains in trying to produce Red Texas hybrids.

 

[MacZ]

Or do people do that sort of thing all the time?

It happens all the time that fish are mislabeled. I have seen the most horrific mislabels and while sometimes this can get you a bargain (e.g. a rare Apistogramma mislabeled as a common species) this can also end terribly (e.g. common plecos mislabeled as BN plecos).

It's a general problem and the reason why we have the ID section here on the forum.

 

[Homeslice]

Does anyone have any favorite online stores for cichlids? So many stores to choose from. Whether its the best looking cichlids, better prices, or whatever, anyone have any favorite ones you order from?

Thanks!

 

[Fishyfishyfishman]

I like aquatic arts but now nothing about cichilds. So just might wanna look. ahealthy animals fast shipping. Great customer service and not at all a pain about potential DOAs still no idea about cichild stock

 

[Homeslice]

Thanks Fishyman! I've ordered from aquatic arts before, I remember having a good experience. I always get their emails from them.

But they do not seem to have a big cichlid selection, unfortunately.

 

[Fishyfishyfishman]

Okay I didn’t know about the cichild stock just that it had them and is a good store. Hope someone else can help you out.

 

[chromedome52]

For New World Cichlids, your best bet would be Tangled Up In Cichlids. Changed owners a couple of years ago, but new guy seems to be maintaining the reputation. A lot of less common species, big CA species, lots of SA species that just aren't seen in stores.

For African Rift Lake, Dave's Rare Aquarium Fish has the best selection and rep for very high quality. A little pricey, but worth it.