Ap Wilhelmi and Ap New Pulchra

[Liquid]

Hi Guys,

Tell me if I'm wrong but I was looking at the RVA pics on these 2 apistos.... they looks to me they are one and the same fishes??? 1 of the pics even looks like they are the same pic.

Any comments from the experts here? Why 2 names and from the same site?

Cheers,
Ken


Ap Wilhelmi
http://www.rva.ne.jp/gallery/ap_wilhelmi.html


Ap New Pulchra
http://www.rva.ne.jp/gallery/ap_nwe_pulchra.html

 

[Discus Man]

Doesn't look like the same fish to me, the pulchra have the definate pulchra tail. The one pic is on both areas, that may be an error or (I can't read the text) it may be showing it for comparison.

 

[Mike Wise]

I agree with Discus Man. A. sp. Abacaxis (= Wilhelmi) & A. cf. pulchra (Rio Marimari) are closely related species, but are easily distinguished by the pattern of the caudal fin. The top photo on both pages shows A. sp. Abacaxis. If I translate it correctly, the author is comparing the new A. cf. pulchra (Rio Marimari) with A. sp. Abacaxis, which had been discovered by Horst Linke & Mario Wilhelm in January 1999 & later imported into Japan by Bitter (of Bitter Aquatics). He is using the photo of Abacaxis to compare that species with that of the Marimari form. A. sp. Abacaxis is found in the Rio Abacaxis drainage, while A. cf. pulchra (Rio Marimari) comes from a tributari of the lower Abacaxis. They are isolated from the Rio Madeira, home for A. pulchra, for the most part & appear have recently changed into different forms.

 

[Apistt_ed]

..

there could be mistakes but they are similar! That site has great pictures though ey? the same could have been said about A. Brevis and A. Breitbanden (broadband) on the site too! some of the Best pictures I've seen ever!!! Love that site! I'm getting jealous of all these great fishes that WE don't get here in the states!!

 

[Mike Wise]

All of these fish are available to suppliers in the USA. The only problem is that most US hobbyists will not pay the price asked (I call it the "American discount store mentality"). Therefore, our importers do not buy them. In Japan they are willing to pay the price, so they get the fish. If you really want the fish, Rayon Vert Aqua will be selling them internationally soon, if they are not doing it now.

 

[Apistt_ed]

...

Yes, the US market is a little "weird" when it comes to getting certain apistos. I've noticed that $$ is a factor but I personally wouldn't mind paying a "reasonable price" for fish that aren't frequently seen around here... I've heard that Rayon might be sending/selling fish into the American aquarists sooner or later too. What I would like to know is if there has been anyone who has bought from them and what the costs would be with the importing costs and all?!

 

[Rolo]

Hi,

For me, it is the same species, maybe another local color form.
But the pattern in the caudal is also possible at A. sp. Wilhelmi/Abacaxis. Like A. pulchra, it is a polychromatic species. And the specimen without a red tail have these patterns in the caudal fin... it's almost the same at A. Abacaxis and A. pulchra. So why make a difference?

greetings,
Rolo