Amphilophus Question

[pelleeklund]

Recently I picked up a Trimac and a Red Terror and I have a few questions About them I hope I can put to rest.

1 - Are they related? I keep seeing both fish with the scientific name Amphilophus.

2 - If they are related, in the same family, are they in fact both Central American fish or should I believe the information I keep seeing about the RTs being South American?

3 - I bought both fish at around an inch and the Trimac has more than doubled in size while the Rt hasn't grown a bit. It also is very skittish for a fish with such a tough reputation, are RTs normally shy and slow growing? (The Trimac is in a 55 by himself growing out, while the Rt is in a 30 by himself, waiting to get big enough I can put him in the 55 divided without him being able to slip through between the glass and divider.)

Thanks for your time.

 

[Chrisplosion]

1. If I'm not mistaken Festae used to be classified as Amphilophus but I could be wrong in that.
2. Festae come from South American but are more or less Central American. Genetically, Festae are close enough to most Central Americans to where they can successfully interbreed which is unlike all other South Americans.
3. Trimacs grow fast but I can't speak for Festae growth rate.

 

[bomillyiam]

Point 1 is on point. Now classified as ex-cichlasoma Festae. Was also Nandopsis once. Point 2 is remotely debateable.
Point 3? Most Amps do grow quickly. Festae typically grow slow but give em plenty of space, insane water changes like 4-5/wk, and power feeding and most will stretch quickly 4 ya in my experience.

 

[woofy]

1. Festae was
Once amphilophus and others (i included) still consider them a must have for any amphilophus collection. i would compare their size, breeding and temperament similar or equal to keeping most amphilophus.

2. They are defintaly caught in south america. I really dont know much more than that.

3. Festae can be slow growers compared to midas, lyonsi, and large growing similar fish. And yes they are incredibly shy when young. They are more outgoing though raised in a small group while babies but than one solitary one will def be shy. They really dont start showing personality and maturity changes until around 4-6". Others might have more input.

And
4. I would not recommend power feeding and or any tactic for forced growth although multiple water changes will contribute to good water quality which is generally good husbandry and suggestion for any fish. That i do agree with


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[pelleeklund]

Right on, thanks guys. Something about writing this got me to throw the divider in the 55 and let these guys grow out side by side. Maybe I could observe them more closely and try to determine their similarities and differences. It's crazy that they are so difficult to classify and that they have changed families so often. I guess it's cool that they are, currently, so closely related. They are two fish I have always wanted and funny enough, came across both of them on the same day in the same store. (That Fish Place is awesome like that.) Interesting to find out that are cousins that are technically from two different continents and could potentially even breed. I guess I will try to feed the Rt more and see how it develops, maybe it will be inspired to eat after watching the porker Trimac crush pellets next door. I appreciate the info.