exact ID

[Pictus]

Hello Forum,
I purchased this little fellow as A. sp. cristal from Peru.
I would really apreciate if somebody could tell me the exact ID or ensure that this is the undescribed species as it was sold.
First picture shows him when he was younger in clear water, the other ones show him in his current condition in black water.

Thank you!
greets

 

[Mike Wise]

This is definitely not the species originally sold as A. sp. Cristal. The original species, which I keep and breed, is related to A. luelingi. I call it A. cf. luelingi (Cristal). Your fish looks like A. urteagai. Both species occur near Puerto Maldonado in Peru. It looks like someone mixed them up.

 

[Pictus]

Hey Mike,
They were sold als wild catched.
When I ordered them I expected the luelingi sp. cristal you mentioned.
I can say, that the seller is one of the biggest and most reliable I know.
The seller also offered the luelingi cristal some time ago.
He receives his fishes directly from Glaser and I think Glaser should be able to identity correctly.
What do you think?
Is it possible that I have an A. sp. urteagai here?
I remember, that this species was on The stocklist too when I ordered them.
Greets

 

[Mike Wise]

Yes, I think that you have A. urteagai.

 

[Pictus]

On one of the following lists after my order A. sp. commbrae occured.
My fellow looks very similar to the one from this link, his fin has got that shiny red as well: http://www.apistogramma.com/forum/threads/apistogramma-cf-resticulosa-urteagai.13538/

Greets

 

[Mike Wise]

Color means nothing. Based on the dark markings it has all the features found on A. urteagai.

 

[Andrew Powell]

I haven't heard of A. urteagai, but wow, a lovely fish mate.

 

[Pictus]

Thank you both.

 

[tato]

Mike, could you please tell me where are the diferences between this fish and A. commbrae? Sorry for my ignorance.

Thanks.

 

[Mike Wise]

Major difference is the shape of the caudal spot/patch. On A. urteagai there is a single oval caudal spot separated from vertical Bar 7, which is rather prominent. On A. commbrae the caudal spot and part of Bar 7 join to form a large caudal patch. That and the very different abdominal markings - horizontal stripes on commbrae, diagonal streaks on urteagai - are diagnostic.