Convict cichlid pure strain

[convict360]

Does anyone have photos of what they believe is genuine 100% convict fish that the standard could be set by?

The reason I'm asking is that now whenever I see convicts, they all look radically different in the LFS, whether through hybridisation or whatnot.

In particular my male con looks grey/black with a general convict body shape; but I seen a blue male con the other day with a totally different body shape at the same size as mine, a lot stockier, as just one example.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[duanes]

The name convict is a generic term used by LFSs and others to describe any of about half dozen species, (besides all the aquarium created hybrids).
If you really want to see original forms use the scientific and or local variant names, such as
Amatitlania siquia
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
archocentrus chetumalensis
or A sp Honduran red point
to name just a few all called at one time or another, convicts

 

[convict360]

The name convict is a generic term used by LFSs and others to describe any of about half dozen species, (besides all the aquarium created hybrids).
If you really want to see original forms use the scientific and or local variant names, such as
Amatitlania siquia
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
archocentrus chetumalensis
or A sp Honduran red point
to name just a few all called at one time or another, convicts

Good point, I believe its the nigrofasciata variant I hear most often identified yet still see wide discrepancies

 

[onefowl1]

Also remember that there will be a natural range of fish from any given collection point. I cringe when people try and put a standard on any species and throw out all else, that should be reserved for domestic breeds. These differences in the wild is what help a species stay strong and adapt to environmental changes that happen.
Now some of the other reasons for seeing the variety of convicts besides hybrids or different species in the LFS is diet, housing, water quality and poor or good breeding practices that produced them. If you think about this it applies to all the fish we get from anywhere. How many fish have you seen posted on this site alone that looked one way when acquired then after a bit of time with optimum care turn out a totally different appearing fish.

 

[jonclark96]

If you search my threads, I posted up pics of several of the "convict" species that I have kept from different collection locations. I've kept all four of the convict species (kanna, siquia, nigrofaciatus, and coatepeque). Of the ones I have kept, all have their subtle differences. There are also differences between the different collection points within a given species.

I would be confident in saying that if you did not purchase your fish from someone who has kept wild type strains pure, then your fish are more likely a hybrid. Not that they are bad fish, just not the same that are found in the wild.

 

[festaedan]

I have both siquia and cuatepeque (I believe mine are grand children from John's pair).

 

[convict360]

I will be checking out pictures from both of you, thanks guys.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App