Eartheater ID

[Giant Val]

Hi all,
I've had these Geos for about two years or so. The were labelled brachybranchus. I got them all from the same LFS but half of them a few weeks before the other half. They appear to be two species. Can anyone clarify for me please?

The fish in the first image and the centre of the second image are relatively small, have streamers from dorsal, caudal and pectoral fins. These have black throats which I understand is typical of Brachybranchus. I have five of these, And they have laid eggs.

The fish in the other two photos are much larger, no real streamers, and under throat is much paler.

Can anyone tell me what species I have?

 

[neutrino]

Not an expert on them but my thoughts are:

Fainter throat line wouldn't put me off if I'm seeing hints of it at times and, especially in the second from bottom photo, looks like it's there on my screen. Could be female, finnage looks female-ish to me, which would account for lack of streamers. Markings like that can come and go with mood, status in a group, etc.

The literature I've seen says (what are currently considered to be) brachys are found in various locations and can vary a bit. I've seen cf. sometimes attached to brachys from Guyana, though, as I understand it, Kullander says parts of Guyana are included in their range. I've seen photos/video of what are supposed to be brachys where females had less of the black throat.

 

[Giant Val]

Thanks for your thoughts neutrino. I have had eggs on two occasions. On each occasion, one of the smaller fish with streamers (the type in the top two photos) guarded the eggs from very close range (generally stayed an inch or two from them), and another of the same type also with streamers, guarded the general vicinity (ie seemed to try to keep all other fish at least a foot away from the eggs). This made me think that the differences were different species rather than difference between sexes. I take your point on the potential for different morphs depending on source location though. Thanks.

 

[Giant Val]

I thought I might bump this with a photo of one of my Treadfin Acaras. I have four of these in the tank and they are spectacular fish. If anyone else can shed some light on my original question I'd appreciate.