How to ID Geophagus, need some tips

[Netengo]

Hi there I am trying to get some Geophagus Pindare but I have only seen the ones on tropical fish finder and they are out of my budget so I am hoping to find some suinimensis or similar that have perhaps been mislabeled. Or on the otherside of things I want to make sure that the Pindare are Pindare because I want them to stay small rather than end up with the bigger surinimensis.

So any tips on how to ID them properly would be fantastic

N

 

[japes]

Very hard explain, here are a few key physical features that can tell most species apart.

Caudal/Dorsal/Anal/Pectoral Fin Patterning
Size/Shape of Lateral Spot
Vertical Barring

If you're into or getting into Eartheaters though I can't recommend South American Eartheaters by Thomas Weidner enough. Best book for us enthusiasts.