fatf, vatf or other? thoughts
- Thread starter sbuse
- Start date
Ok here is what I think is the fatf.
Here is what I think is the vatf.
My thoughts are on the tails since the head structure is almost the same. Just on the ones I think are vatf the heads are a little bigger. They are the same size.
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Here is what I think is the vatf.
My thoughts are on the tails since the head structure is almost the same. Just on the ones I think are vatf the heads are a little bigger. They are the same size.
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A few more shots to compare.
Fatf
Vatf
Vatf (top) fatf (bottom)
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Fatf
Vatf
Vatf (top) fatf (bottom)
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Scott, you have FATF there. All of them. Very nice specimens too, they appear to be the East African variety that will color up very nicely, they will have colors almost identical to a VATF when larger except the tail will only have color on the bottom lobe. When they get big they have a very nice orangish yellow to orange fins.
Looking at the tails why would there be such a difference in the tails as a whole if they are the same? Also the mouths look a touch different. Going off the old vatf I had I see some differences in the structure on the ones I have listed as fatf. Also in the id guide I see these exact fatf pic in the fatf and vatf in the vatf. The only thing that has me thinking is the adapost fin is not solid black. It is more black tipped.
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The only diagnostic trait to tell a VATF from a FATF when it comes to the tail is the color. A VATF will have color (by that I mean red, orange or yellow) on both the upper and lower lobe of the tail that seems to radiate from just posterior to the caudal peduncle. A FATF will have color only on the lower lobe of the tail.
As you can see, all of your fish have color only on the lower lobe. This is diagnostic of a forskahlii. The shape of the tail has little to do with the species; the one with the big tail and hooks just has a healthier tail. The others with the rounded tails with no black edge will get the hooks and black edging as they get bigger and their tail heals up.
Their body is also clearly a forskahlii to my eyes; its long and thin with a tiny little head. There will be some variation to among individuals, but they all have the small head with a long, skinny body. The East African variety that you have actually has a very similar head shape to GATF imo.
For comparison, here's a real vittatus at a similar size. Note how much thicker the body is and how much larger the head is in relation to the body. Also, most importantly, notice how the color is on the tail:
I see what you are saying. When I got my old vatf the tail was basically colorless on the top. Then after it was in my care it exploded in color full tail. It may just be my lighting that is making it seem in person the longer tailed ones have some hint of color on the top lobe. I do see the body difference though, these are relatively fresh and have not been pumped up yet. Fatf is better to have for sellability anyway, but I just see my old vatf in them two. They will have some great adult colors if in fact they are 100% fatf! I may have to grow one out to see. I noticed we don't have and larger fatf pics to see all small pics or WC adult fish.
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