Could it be true???

[Gillie]

I heard a rumor that there is a second Biotoecus species. Has anyone else heard of this?

 

[ed seeley]

There are two Biotoecus species, B.opercularis and B.dicentrarchus. There are also forms like Biotoecus sp.'Tapajos' in the hobby too.

 

[Gillie]

I knew of the other forms, but I figured that they were just regional varients of Opercularis. Does anybody have or know where I can find a picture of Dicentrarchus or possibly a source for them?

 

[ed seeley]

Well I don't know about sources for dicentrarchus but here are a couple of photos that came up when I googled them that I think aren't opercularis

http://www.aquanet.de/beitraege/Topthema.20060717121530821.asp

http://www.aquariophilie.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=50555

 

[Gillie]

Interesting they look similar to opercularis with the exception of some coloring and look a bit slimmer. Needless to say I just have to find a source.

 

[ed seeley]

Interesting they look similar to opercularis with the exception of some coloring and look a bit slimmer. Needless to say I just have to find a source.

Good luck! I've just managed to source the B.sp.'Tapajos' but never seen dicentrarchus for sale. Suppose someone somewhere must have had some in the past to be able to get the pictures...

 

[Gillie]

I think I am going to try to find the Tapajos too. Also is there any info on Dicentrarchus in books or on the net.

 

[Mike Wise]

Photos of B. dicentrarchus, B. opercularis - including the Tapajós & other populations - and B. cf. opercularis "Upper Rio Negro" are in Stawikowski & Werner's book "Die Buntbarsche Amerikas, Band 3: Erdfresser, Hecht- und Kammbuntbarsche. I've translated this section for what it's worth.