Apisto IDs/sexing

[JustOneMore22]

I recently bought some Apistos for my 40 breeder and I'm unsure on the IDs or sexes of a couple of them.

Here's the story: I ordered a trio of Trifasciata and a trio of Viejita CFII (1m/2f of each). I was sent 2 extras....not sure what the extras were, since they are all young and hard to sex/ID...not to mention they were stressed from being shipped. 2 fish were DOA and I believe them to be 2 male trifasciata, though I'm not certain.

Now, I have 6 Apistos in my 40 breeder....not sure how many of each species and what sexes I have. That's where you come in.

I am unable to take pics of them all, since some hide most of the time and a select few of them are pretty photogenic.

Here is what I have though:

Male Viejita CFII with female (I'm pretty certain on this one)

Not sure...thought it was a trifasciata, but the markings are much like the Viejita male

This one is tiny (probably 1.3" or so) and I think its a trifasciata female?

I'll have to get pics of the others that I'm unsure about. But atleast, if someone can sex and ID the Apistos in the last 2 pics and confirm my ID for the first, then I'd know what each looks like.

I have looked at tons of pics of each species and just when I think I have it, I see something that looks like the other, so I lose my confidence.

I'd really appreciate any help!



edit: Just noticed the ID forum....sorry about putting this in the wrong place. Feel free to move it mods.

 

[DH247]

Having young Trifasciatas myself, I would say the last photo may be a female. Usually by that point you will notice dorsal extensions and more colour showing through on males. As well, if there is any extension in the ventral fins it is a male. You will know as it grows out a bit more. The lateral line running into the caudal peduncle also indicates to me Tri.

The 2nd is definitely not a Trifasciata. There is no 3rd stripe running towards the vent from the head. The extra height and colour of the dorsal fin would suggest a male. I hope that you did not lose both your tri males. They are a treat to see when full grown and full of colour! Come to think of it.... They all are! Damn I need more tanks..........

If I'm off please let me know oh gracious gods of identification (cough*Mike*cough*Rolo*cough*Ted*cough*Ed.... well you know who you are!)

Good luck ya'll!

 

[Rolo]

Hi,

replace "viejita" by "macmasteri", then you're right! ;-)

1) A. macmasteri pair
2) A. macmasteri male
3) A. trifasciata (probably female, but it's hard to say on such small fishes.)

best regards,
Rolo

 

[Mike Wise]

Great minds think alike. I have to agree with Rolo on all accounts.

Don't be too upset with the "Viejita CFII" being A. macmasteri. Virtually every "A. viejita" in the hobby is actually A. macmasteri.

 

[JustOneMore22]

Thanks you two! Doing some browsing on this site and I noticed that alot of Viejita are actually Macmasteri. They are all beautiful though, so its perfectly fine!

I also hope that I didn't lose the Trifasciata males. 2 of the Apistos hide virtually all the time, so I can't get a visual and see what they might be. Fingers crossed atleast 1 is a Trif. male.

Thanks again!