LFS is getting some "festae" in from Germany, first time the species has been available here in NZ afaik!! They're around 3-4cm, apparently, at that size is there any way to tell if they are true festae or if they are uropthalmus?
festae/uro, how to ID when small??
- Thread starter David R
- Start date
Its not 100% but works most of the time...
The "eye spot" on the root off the tail usually sits higher or offset compared to the center line of the fish/tail.
The Mayan cichlid usually have bigger eye spots and are centered on the tail.
Google some pics of both species and you`ll clearly see it.
The "eye spot" on the root off the tail usually sits higher or offset compared to the center line of the fish/tail.
The Mayan cichlid usually have bigger eye spots and are centered on the tail.
Google some pics of both species and you`ll clearly see it.
Man, you don't know how many times I took home a uro, thinking it was a festae! But through trial and a lot of error I learned the difference. Juvenile festae have a line of broken squares going down their sides. The eye spot is smaller and more cylindrical than a uro. The outer blue of the eye spot is brighter with festae. You won't always see the Y-pattern on very small ones. Sometimes they appear when the lights are off. Another thing I noticed is that uros have a dark band over their iris, almost like a frowning brow. I have six festae and I couldn't be happier.
Modest_Man;3666227; said:
Agreed. There are many subtle differences that distinguish one from the other; however, until you've kept both it can be a big confusing.
Here's a picture of one of my growouts for reference. Notice the eye spot.
Thanks everyone, they arrived today and I'm certain they're festae, eye spot is towards the top and has a vivid blue ring around it despite them only being about 3cm. I got 8 of them, a couple are already showing red colour in the tail, I'll get pics up soon!
GOOD LUCK these guys truly live up to their name, bit of advice if you are growing them out in a tank by themselves have some kind of other fry or something that why not eat them to divert their agression as my festae have gone from 5 to 2 just from their frikin aggression to each other and they are only .5in in a 30in long tank!!