Mixed bag arriving as A. megaptera

[Chilligan]

A recent shipment to our LFS designated A. Megaptera seems to include at least 2 species. I'm guessing A. velifera for the fish in the two stills. What do the experts think?

Next, anyone see potential females in the video?

Thanks for the education.

 

[Frank Hättich]

You have at least 3 different species:
1. the "velifera" are in fact A. sp. Putzer,
2. an iniridae-group species:

which is probably A. uaupesi

3. the "megaptera" which are most likely A. cf. piaroa (A165).

Unlike megaptera and velifera, these 3 species are not from the Orinoco but rather from the Rio Negro.

To become more sure about these IDs, please post some clear photos of males of species #2 and #3 with all fins spread.

 

[Chilligan]

Thank you very much @Frank Hättich
I thought I had it with velifera. A. putzer is a new one for me, but seems to be a very nice looking species.

Uaupesi I guessed from the solid line and sail on a few of the more slender fish.

Will share your identifications with the shop this weekend, and try to get the video / photos you requested while there.

 

[Frank Hättich]

A. putzer is a new one for me, but seems to be a very nice looking species.

It's not A. putzer because it's not yet scientifically described, the correct naming is A. sp. Putzer.

 

[Mike Wise]

Both A. velifera & sp. Putzer are pertensis-group species. Unlike the relate iniridae-group species, the pertensis-group species show a caudal spot separated from the lateral band. A. velifera & sp. Putzer are easily distinguished by the 4 prominent abdominal stripes and a more robust/stocky body of A. velifera, hence its common name Vierstreifen/Four-stripes Apisto.

 

[Frank Hättich]

A. velifera & sp. Putzer are easily distinguished by the 4 prominent abdominal stripes and a more robust/stocky body of A. velifera, hence its common name Vierstreifen/Four-stripes Apisto.

... and by the shape of the caudal fin: A. velifera rounded vs. A. sp. Putzer two-tipped/lyrate.

 

[Chilligan]

I grabbed a few more videos. I don't know that they're much better than the first, but posting regardless in case anyone wants a challenge.

I'll very curious whether there are clear females among the group, particularly of A sp. putzer.

 

[Frank Hättich]

I don't see any obvious females of any of the three species (but I'm not particularly good in sexing).

 

[Chilligan]

Thank you Frank. I won't take the chance.

 

[SpeckledJellyfish]

A recent shipment to our LFS designated A. Megaptera seems to include at least 2 species. I'm guessing A. velifera for the fish in the two stills. What do the experts think?


View attachment 13843

View attachment 13844

Next, anyone see potential females in the video?

Thanks for the education.

Would you mind providing the name of the store? I'm after a Piaroa male!

 

[Chilligan]

Sure, it's April's Aquarium in Vancouver.
38-69th Avenue East, Vancouver BC, V5X 4K6

 

[SpeckledJellyfish]

Damn!! I don't think the US is allowing shipments in.

 

[anewbie]

Damn!! I don't think the US is allowing shipments in.

Vancouver is a nice area (though better in spring/early summer); maybe take a road trip from seattle or the ferry one day

 

[SpeckledJellyfish]

Vancouver is a nice area (though better in spring/early summer); maybe take a road trip from seattle or the ferry one day

I live in Oregon, just across the state line in Portland, but it's definitely a bit more of a journey. I think I will research what would be needed to bring a few fish and snails across the border though! Canada DOES look gorgeous though and I would love to visit and just see a new place!!