Opinions appreciated

[Ttw]

These are two fish which I collected this past summer. I have an opinion on what they are but would like to hear other opinions.

This first fish was collected in a northern tributary of the Rio Madre de Dios west of Puerto Maldonado. At the site the adult males were around 3 inches long and had blue vermiculations on the gill covers. The overall color was a blue green with bright yellow throat.

This second fish was collected in a eastern tributary distribution of the Rio Heath a long distance from the first fish. It is less colorful but has more dark markings. The female can be seen in the first photograph.

 

[Mike Wise]

OK, Tom, this is just an educated guess based on the photos. Let's make this a teaching tool. First look at the 2 species:

Both are obviously regani-group species.

Species 1: Large, robust deep/high-back body, higher dorsal fin (compared to Species 2), oval caudal spot, rather even edge on a moderately broad lateral band, caudal patten mostly rows of stripes on posterior caudal fin, and a distinct row of abdominal spots well below the lateral band.

Species 2: Moderately small, slender, lower dorsal fin, rounded/oval caudal spot, zig-zag edge on a narrower lateral band, caudal pattern weak over most of caudal fin, and a series of narrow diagonal streaks below the lateral band.

Species 1: A. urteagai (or something close); call it "A. cf. urtegai (collecting site)".

Species 2: resticulosa-complex species related to A. resticulosa, but different; call it "A. cf. resticulosa (Rio Heath)".

 

[Ttw]

Thanks Mike for your response. I also thought that species 1 was urteagai. This is at least the third color form I have collected. Overall this species is much more attractive than the pictures in the various books.
As for species 2, I understand your reasoning. I did not have an idea as to it's identification. It is certainly well separated geographically from the usual distribution of resticulosa.