Ok, I'm totally confused in the difference between these eartheaters. Are they all simply different locals of surinamensis?
Difference between winemilleri, altifron and abalio
- Thread starter ChefBrian75
- Start date
a G. dicrozoster
b G. abalios
c G. winemilleri
d G. brokopondo
e G. brachybranchus
f G. surinamensis
g G. proximus
h G. megasema
i G. camopiensis
j G. altifrons
b G. abalios
c G. winemilleri
d G. brokopondo
e G. brachybranchus
f G. surinamensis
g G. proximus
h G. megasema
i G. camopiensis
j G. altifrons
Those illustrations do leave out the tail markings though, which can sometimes be used to confirm or rule out certain fish.
Some of my favorite fish in the spot light - or under the microscope as some may view it.
At any rate, the previously posted sketches are diagnostically helpful when viewing size and placement of lateral spot, but knowing the origin of the fish is really key.
I've imported, kept/keeping, and photographed (not always too well, but mostly passable documentary purposes) at all the above mentioned species in that key except maybe megasema. I will also post photos of another related and recently described species that proves to be real treat to earth eater fans.
I think photos of live 'suranimensoid-type' Geophagus may be helpful to Chef Brian and others too hopefully.
Abalios were imported from Rio Orinoco tributaries in Colombia and Venezuela.
Note no spot on operculum (cheek).
Dicrozoster are often seen in same collections as abalios. Note dicrozoster has mark on the operculum and is slightly more elongated in body shape.
Winemilleri have been imported from Colombia and Venezuela too. This is a more robust-bodied species; similar to abalios - but winemilleri has mark on operculum where abalios does not.
The name of this species is incorrectly applied to many of these 'suranimensoid' types, but this is a really, really rare fish in the trade. The reason being that collections of this species rivers where it occurs are next to non-existent.
Here is another Suriname-collected species that is very suranimensis-like. These were collected from Lake Brokopondo.
Again with the cheek marking. This species is found in same waters as brokopondo, but distinguishable by presence of mark on operculum.
The G. altifrons complex is... complex! There is work being done with these species and some new descriptions have occurred recently. No doubt more to come.
Generally, altifrons are recognized for possessing a very small lateral spot. You will notice the varying sizes and placement of that spot on below fish.
That fact and other characteristics leads one to believe that they will not all be classified as altifrons when review time comes.
See what I mean?
Now there's a big lateral blotch!
Cool stuff. Note the spangles around the lateral spot.
Newly described from southern Brazil. These were collected in Rio Parana. I am expecting more in upcoming weeks. A real treat from Geo fans!
And there are several md growing species that share same general profile as well.
Also from the northern tier of S. Am. continent, this is a rarity in the trade - collected in French Guiana.
From Colombia and Venezuela.
View attachment 1036345
All from different watersheds in Brazil.
At any rate, the previously posted sketches are diagnostically helpful when viewing size and placement of lateral spot, but knowing the origin of the fish is really key.
I've imported, kept/keeping, and photographed (not always too well, but mostly passable documentary purposes) at all the above mentioned species in that key except maybe megasema. I will also post photos of another related and recently described species that proves to be real treat to earth eater fans.
I think photos of live 'suranimensoid-type' Geophagus may be helpful to Chef Brian and others too hopefully.
Abalios were imported from Rio Orinoco tributaries in Colombia and Venezuela.
Note no spot on operculum (cheek).
Dicrozoster are often seen in same collections as abalios. Note dicrozoster has mark on the operculum and is slightly more elongated in body shape.
Winemilleri have been imported from Colombia and Venezuela too. This is a more robust-bodied species; similar to abalios - but winemilleri has mark on operculum where abalios does not.
The name of this species is incorrectly applied to many of these 'suranimensoid' types, but this is a really, really rare fish in the trade. The reason being that collections of this species rivers where it occurs are next to non-existent.
Here is another Suriname-collected species that is very suranimensis-like. These were collected from Lake Brokopondo.
Again with the cheek marking. This species is found in same waters as brokopondo, but distinguishable by presence of mark on operculum.
The G. altifrons complex is... complex! There is work being done with these species and some new descriptions have occurred recently. No doubt more to come.
Generally, altifrons are recognized for possessing a very small lateral spot. You will notice the varying sizes and placement of that spot on below fish.
That fact and other characteristics leads one to believe that they will not all be classified as altifrons when review time comes.
See what I mean?
Now there's a big lateral blotch!
Cool stuff. Note the spangles around the lateral spot.
Newly described from southern Brazil. These were collected in Rio Parana. I am expecting more in upcoming weeks. A real treat from Geo fans!
And there are several md growing species that share same general profile as well.
Also from the northern tier of S. Am. continent, this is a rarity in the trade - collected in French Guiana.
From Colombia and Venezuela.
View attachment 1036345
All from different watersheds in Brazil.
^^^ nominated for the "best post of the day" award. Where's my bib so I can clean up this drool?