Nijesseni V Panduro

[Konigwolf]

Just after any tips on picking the difference beween these two fish. I picked up a trio of nijesseni today, and noted how close they look (nijesseni in general) to panduro, so I was wondering (being as paranoid as I am) how to tell the difference?

Andrew

 

[Mike Wise]

Young fish can be hard to separate. Mature fish are easy:

A. nijsseni: Male: low & even dorsal fin; caudal spot small & round. Female: gill cover entirely black & surrounds most of the eye; flank spot oval & extending from dorsal fin to ventral line; caudal spot round.

A. panduro: Male: at least first 6 dorsal spines separate and slightly elongated; caudsal spot large and usually lance shape (lance tip extends into the caudal fin). Female: cheek stripe varies from narrow to broad blotch at base of gill cover & touches the bottom of the eye; flank patch either wide vertical bar from dorsal fin to ventral line or as a large blotch restricted to lower half of the flanks; caudal spot (when visible) large and similar to that of the male (extends into the caudal fin).

 

[Konigwolf]

Since I cant see any sperated rays on the males dorsal, I'd guess nijesseni then. Here's a pic taken while floating. The shop got them in a week ago, apperently the male is much improved from then, neither of the girls have much in body marking yet, will try for some better pic later.

hmmm, look at the pic again looks like the caudual spot resembles a panduro more LOL, anyway heres the pic, will try for better

Andrew

 

[Konigwolf]

Ok these shots are taken after fish have been in tank almost 24 hours, fish seem very settled

 

[lab]

Definitely A. panduro

 

[Chromedome]

I would say panduro. These are two species where it's easier to tell them apart by the females than the males!

I just happen to have photos of the females of both.

First the panduro:

Then the nijsseni:

 

[Konigwolf]

Ok guys, thanks heaps (unexpected bonus )

 

[P.W.]

Some help?........
I think this picture is quite informative:

http://www.petfrd.com/forum/articles.php?action=viewarticle&artid=45

Best regards/ Per

 

[KenL]

Those are nice panduros.

The main difference for me in the females is that nijsseni females always show a black spot at the start of the tail, panduro females do not have this.

The big blotch is the middle of the body show in the pic above of nijsseni can often be completely missing, I have even seen fish with a blotch on one side, but not the other!

 

[Konigwolf]

Thanks to all for helping me correctley ID my fish friends

Andrew