Apisto. erythrura Rio-Mamore

[Mike Jacobs]

Mike Wise . . . I am having an ID problem . . . not me, but an Apisto!!!! About 2 months ago I got a very, very young pair of apistos . . . they were named A. erythrura Rio-Mamore. The first picture is of the new apistos and that picture was taken today . . . they are just getting of age. The second picture is of A. sp. Mamore I took many many many years ago . . . the new fish don't seem to have the white body. Do I have some A. trifasciata now????

Thank, Mike

Mike Jacobs

 

[Mike Wise]

Mike, they look like different color morphs/populations of the same species to me. Color isn't as important as the dark markings. Here's a simple way to separate A. erythrura from A. trifasciata.

A. trifasciata: lateral band is of even width along its length and the species shows a (more or less) visible diagonal abdominal stripe.

A. erythrura: lateral band grows wider along its length, being noticeably wider at the caudal peduncle than at the pectoral fins and the species shows no diagonal abdominal stripe (unless preserved in alcohol and then it's very faint).

Color-wise, your new specimens look more like specimens from the Rio Guaporé than your original specimen, which looks like a typical lower Rio Mamoré form.

 

[Mike Jacobs]

GREAT explanation, Mike! Ok . . . that settles it . . . but probably from the Rio Guapore not the Rio Mamore!!! Sounds like a deal!!!

Thanks again!!!

Mike