Debate whether Ornatums are really C. Gephyrum

[6 bar]

It has been argued that the fish now made available and sold as excichlasoma cf. ornatus is actually Cichlasoma Gephyrum.

The primary argument made by some, is that the "ornatus" that has been sold as of recent comes from Rio San Juan. The true ornatus comes from another set of rivers. This can also be validated on fishbase.org. That said, they believe the "ornatus" is really Gephyrum. Whatever it is, I think it is still a very cool fish, that is rare to the hobby.

Any thoughts as to why the mix up?

 

[flowerpower]

Hmm, waiting for this thread to go somewhere.

 

[Modest_Man]

Well Jeff Rapps has been selling them as "exC. cf ornatum". The "cf" means a fish similar to the ornatum but not certainly identified as this species.

So yes, it could very well be something different. Is this new news?

 

[flowerpower]

I've never heard the name gephyrum. Guess I missed something. I Googled it and all I found was mention of a sketch of a fish that someone saw in the 1920's. Still looking for that sketch.
None the less, props to Jeff for keeping with the appropriate nomenclature.

 

[Aquanero]

I remember reading somewhere the the fish known as Gephyrum might in fact be nothing more than a naturally occuring hybrid between Ex. C. Ornatus and Ex. C. Atromaculatus. I was looking up info on Ornatus and came accross that but I don't remember where I read it. If true it would explain (cf) the similar to; designation.

Anyone else have anything?

 

[Cichlidfever]

So is the gephyrum something that everybody would like to have? I am confused...

 

[6 bar]

I think so.

 

[baldtaxguy]

It has been argued that the fish now made available and sold as excichlasoma cf. ornatus is actually Cichlasoma Gephyrum.

Where?

 

[Aquamojo]

Where?

Here: http://www.cichlidae.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10457&p=57812&hilit=gephyrum#p57812

 

[NOLAGT]

So is the gephyrum something that everybody would like to have? I am confused...

I say...what ever this fish really is...I think its something that people would want. It could be called a Colombian goldfish for all i care its a fine fish

Male on top female below from Jeff