Apistogramma bitaeniata Tefé?

[karl]

Is this Apistogramma bitaeniata Tefé? Any special characteristics on form or color for the Ap. bitaeniata from Tefé?

Thanks in advance!

Karl

 

[Mike Wise]

All populations of A. bitaeniata are polychromatic to some extent, so color isn't very useful. Brazilian specimens of A. bitaeniata exhibit a more slender body and a more distinct second, abdominal band. Peruvian specimens usually show more blue stripes on the face than on Brazilian specimens. They also have a heavier body and the second, abdomal stripe is less distinct.

Your fish appear to have a more slender body and a distinct second, abdominal band. They also show only small areas of yellow on the face, but more extensive blue face stripes. This is kind of a mixture of the two general populations. This mixture is seen in northeastern Peru, Colombia, and western Brazil (including the Tefé). I couldn't say for certain where your fish originated, but they have characteristics typical of A. bitaeniata from the Tefé area. If the fish was sold by a reputable dealer as being from the Rio Tefé, then I would guess that they are from the Rio Tefé.

 

[karl]

Hi Mike,

Thanks a lot!

Karl