The difference between Biotoecus Opercularis and aff.Opercularis

[M.J]

I got Bioroecus species under the name of "Biotoecus Opercularis" from Rio negro wild recently. some people said the fish seem B.aff.Opercularis.

I am confused whether my fishes is B.opercularis or B.aff. Opercularis. -you can find its photos under the links-

so I would like to know the differences between two species in order for clear identification.

http://cafe.naver.com/apisto/13835
http://cafe.naver.com/apisto/13833


It will be much appreciated if you advise me of that.

Look forward to hearing from you soon.

 

[Rodr]

Hi M.J.
I do not know the difference, I have just bought 3 of these beatyfull fish. Onfortunelately one died. But they were in a very bad condision.
Do You have any experience with these fish? I looked on the internet but did not find very much. How big do they get, how big aquarium do they need, and stuff like that.
Regards Roland Dreinø

 

[Apistomaster]

Biotoecus opercularis is a very demanding species. Their maximum total length is 5 cm and the females are slightly smaller.
They require pristine water quality and it should be extremely soft and slightly acid. Suggested water temperature is 28*C/~83*F.
They need a diet which consists of mainly live foods. Newly hatched brine shrimp are one of the easiest and best foods but cultures of Grindal worms provide some variety and a more rounded diet when used with the Artemia nauplii.
Mayland and Bork suggest in their book, South American Dwarf Cichlids, the use of 2 cm diameter PVC pipe about 10 cm long with a closed terminal end buried in fine sand with the opening of the tube slightly higher than the terminal end. They recommend keeping a few peaceful Characins as dither fish. I like Nannostomus eques pencilfish or Marble Hatchetfish because these species are so surface oriented and have little inclination to eat fry.
The imported wild fish are often in very poor condition when they are sold so the first order of business is to get them back into good condition. Losses can be high so buy a few more than you think you need.