Columbian Apistiogramma

[aquaticclarity]

Imported as A. cf. hongsloi from Cusiana last June or July. All the pictures are of a single pair I kept back. The male is about 2 1/4" long and the female 1 1/2" long.

Personally I don't see hongsloi but something closer to viejita/macmasteri.

 

[Mike Wise]

Jeff, you're probably right about it being a macmasteri-complex species. Hongsloi-complex species typically show a slightly wider lateral band that has less zigzag borders and light central scales. Besides that, Cusiana occurs in the distribution range of the macmasteri-complex. Hongsloi-complex species are typically found at lower elevations nearer the main channel of the Rio Orinoco.

 

[aquaticclarity]

Thanks Mike! Care to take a stab at the macmasteri versus viejita ID debate on this one?

 

[aquaticclarity]

Bonus! The female laid a huge clutch of eggs last night!!!

 

[Mike Wise]

Well, vijitas have more 'squarish' caudal spots while macs have more elongate, oval spots. Compare caudal spots on A 121 & A 122 in the DATZ book, the females in particular. You'll see the difference. My guess is that your fish are A. macmasteri or something close.