Geophagus altifrons....I think???

[Norbert]

After looking through all these cool threads on eartheaters in this section I decided to try some myself. Picked up a group of 5 youngsters about 2" long labeled as G. altifrons. They're starting to color up pretty good now and some fin extensions are beginning to grow. They're up to about 5" now.

Here's a shot of one...

Just looking for confirmation from you guys that they're G. altifrons? I'm not doubting the LFS...just not sure what identifies them?

 

[Kanta]

Yep, altifron, stunner fish. I was sold 6 labeled as g. Surinamensis that turned out to be altifrons

 

[mynheers_a_pint]

Disagree, I would not of said Altifron. I can't tell exactly which species, but that's completely devoid of a humeral spot (I think that's the technical term for the black spot on their flanks..!) also, the head shape appears wrong for the vast majority of Altifron varients-

Here are davids group (Shamelessly pinched from his 370g build thread);

Their heads are more A-symetrical than the one pictures above and you can see on some (but not all) the small black spot on their flanks.

Heres my Altifron;

Again, you can see the black spot on the flank and different head shape.

So, in short, I don't think you have an Altifron. However, what you do have is a stunning looking fish that I can't identify without some fairly broad guesses. Someone else who is more experienced with keeping Geophagus may be able to advise better though. And I may be very wrong...

 

[chronick]

yeah i thought altifrons have a black spot on the side of their body

 

[abarilot]

It's G. altifrons. The black spot on their flank can be non existant or up to 4 scales large, the caudal fin is spotted and it has no facial markings. Glad to see previous threads helped you ID it and you have a great looking fish!

 

[peathenster]

I agree that it's a G. altifrons, and that the midlateral spot comes and goes.

No spot:

Yes spot:

 

[David R]

According to Weidners book (just happened to have it infront of me!);

According to current wisdom, G. altifrons can easily be distinguished from other species by the absence of a lateral spot. A lateral spot is, however, to be seen in a number of specimens, but encompassing only a small number of scales. Juveniles always exhibit a lateral spot, but from 5cm upwards this becomes gradually smaller until it completely disappears or only a hint remains. ... The caudal and dorsal fins are speckled with tiny spots and exhibit no streaking.

BTW there is no such this as an "altifron", even if you only have one of them its still an altifrons.

 

[mynheers_a_pint]

Humbled, i stand corrected.

I did say I might be terribly wrong, though...!

 

[jayclarke]

Quality Geo's

 

[David R]

Humbled, i stand corrected.

I did say I might be terribly wrong, though...!

Ha I'm no expert, I just happened to have the book (which was loaned to me over the xmas break) sitting in front of me. I'm hopeless at identifying them as we only get one true Geophagus species/variant here!