Distinct physiology amongst Thorichthys sp?

[flowerpower]

Namely aureus and ellioti. The topic has been tossed around repeatedly w/out any conclusion as to the difference between the two species. It seems apparent that even the most experienced w/ this genus have difficulty w/out collection points. So, what to look at when trying to distinguish one from the other?

 

[cichlidfish]

Do you mean maculipinnis, and not aureus? There are differences in aureus and ellioti. Not my pics though.

ellioti:

aureus:

They look pretty similar, so I can see how they can be confused. Aureus is more colorful IMO, because they have more irredecent blue on the tail. Also aureus is a little smaller full grown, but by only an inch in TL. Aureus likes cooler water temps (72-75f) where ellioti likes it warmer (75-80f). Those are the main differences I see.

 

[blackghostuk]

Do you mean maculipinnis, and not aureus?

maculipnnis is ellioti, not aureus.

 

[Jason_S]

yep...ellioti was the one renamed to maculipinnis.

 

[flowerpower]

Yea, just to clarify: we're comparing ellioti(maculipinnis) w/ aureus. The info available on the web is very misleading IMO.
For example; here are some pics of macs:

 

[flowerpower]

And aureum:

 

[flowerpower]

Am I missing something?

 

[flowerpower]

Ok, well.... Based on the photos above do any of you guys see a difference and, if so, what are they?

 

[Adhlc]

Aureums typically seem to be a lot more colorful. Other than that I see no difference.

 

[sam_tuck]

nice fish