Apistogramma Iniridae

[DJ_JD]

Hello Everyone.

Here is the intro: I got 4 Apistogrammas "Iniridae" from Scott Arney a day after the shipment from Colombia came in, those Apistos i got came from this shipment, with that said (we know it was exported from there, this doesn't necessarily means they were collected in Colombia but maybe it will help with the ID) when i got them they were small and looked like Iniridae, since i remembered reading about this species being very picky about their water i made sure the tank was in great condition for them.

a day later 1 Male died leaving me a perfect Trio, anyhow today i went into the fishroom since i was shipping some A. Atahualpas so i wanted to see how all my apistos are doing i found my pair extra colored up and the male on the side of the Glass trying to get to my (show winner pike at the ACA) who is in the tank next to them. so i further looked into the Mom and i saw babies, her coloration caught my eye and the male's Dorsal fin as well, telling me that this fish is Not what we know (at least me) as Apistogramma Iniridae.

In an Attempt to get photos of them in their Pitch Tea Water i failed to get photos of the male but got a few of the female, also took a video and you can see him for a brief moment perhaps enough to ID him & her.

PS: just now went over the Video live on youtube and i can't barely see anything opposite from the Camaras view where it was very good video anyways i will give the link here as well with the photos of her.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dJwxaolpME

Juan

 

[Mike Wise]

Juan, you are correct, the female is not A. iniridae. I am fairly certain that it is a species of the macmasteri-group. The black throat on the female is seen on A. sp. Schwarzkehl/Black-throat and some populations of A. hoignei. It really would help to see a male for a more precise ID.

 

[RustedKnight]

would love to see photos of the male.

Female looks very similar to my Schwarzkehl females, would go for a proper look now but its after lights out. The male in the video also closely resembles my Schwarzkehl male, but it isn't the clearest of videos.

Congratulations on the spawn and I hope Mike can provide you with the ID

 

[DJ_JD]

Thanks, Mike and Rusted.

here are a few pics of the male, again this tank is not the greatest to take pics of.

 

[RustedKnight]

The male looks to be right for Schwarzkehl, the female is definately Schwarzkehl. So IMO you have a very nice pair.

 

[Mike Wise]

I agree, A. sp. Schwarzkehl/Black-throat. We see this species arrive regularly now. I wonder if the Colombian government is gaining more control over the Villavicencia-Yopal region - the source for many desirable fish.

 

[RustedKnight]

That would be fantastic news if true.

Or could it be the floods have moved them into an easier more accessible region? (forgive me if I am misinformed, I had heard that flooding had moved many species out of their natural territory, if only temporarily)

 

[DJ_JD]

Thank you pals for helping with the ID.

As far as I know (because I am Colombian and i watch news of Colombia every night) lots of Floods this past year and also our past president and the current one are doing/did a great job kicking some butt, (sending those undesirable people to the borders, you can imagine which i wish not to name since i dont want to upset anyone)

Anyways i Figure i update you guys on the babies, since im 100% sure the 3rd female is in the back of the tank mom keeps the babies on the front of this tank giving me a big advantage to feed the babies and keep an eye out on them, also my Orinoco pike who is neighboors keeps the male busy

Juan

 

[RustedKnight]

impressive stuff. Looking good then.

 

[gerald]

I'll bet the dad feels like he's some hot $h1t successfully keeping a pike away from his girls and kids! I can hear him thinking: "OK you slack-jawed ugly goon ... just TRY and get at em ... I dare ya!

Anyways i Figure i update you guys on the babies, since im 100% sure the 3rd female is in the back of the tank mom keeps the babies on the front of this tank giving me a big advantage to feed the babies and keep an eye out on them, also my Orinoco pike who is neighboors keeps the male busy

Juan

 

[Apistomaster]

I have these poor quality photos of a pair of Apistogramma iniridae I had some years ago.
They are basically the Orinoco Basin's version of A. pertensis.
Male

Female

 

[DJ_JD]

Hey Guys!!! i got a new camera!

They spawned again within 3 days of the pictures being taken.

enjoy!

 

[gerald]

So ... what exactly distinguishes schwarzkehl from mac and/or viejita?
NICE fish and pix Juan!

 

[Mike Wise]

... more slender body (more like the true A. viejita), more round caudal spot, more elongated lateral blotches, and broad ventral stripe that extends onto the throat and ends on the lower lip.