How to ID Geophagus?

[abarilot]

I've seen many threads in my short time on being on MFK about asking "what kind of Earth Eater do have." I know I've struggled and I’m sure others have as well trying to ID them. I think it is time every with knowledge and/or literature collaborates on how to ID these fish. Even if it is super specific, like number of fin rays or something, it will help!

Here is a list Geos to start with:
G. abalios
G. altifrons “Tocantins”
G. sp. Altamira
G. altifrons
G. altifrons “Trombetas”
G. dicrozoster
G. megasema
G. parnaibae
G. pindare
G. proximus
G. sp. “Red Head Tapajos”
G. taeniopareuis
G. surinamensis

I got this list from TUIC thread http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194494 I realize some of these species are specific to collection location, but any information on how to tell these fish apart would be great!

 

[abarilot]

Anybody have any ideas? If it is that hard to ID then i understand

 

[darth pike]

I can only ID two if them for certain on the list without consulting pics/books: G. dicrozoster and G. taeniopareuis.

G. dicrozoster has a unique black "S" mark on the cheek. G. taeniopareuis has a line through the eye down to the bottom of the fish, much like a brasiliensis does.

I really need to pick up that newer Eartheater book to ID the other ones though, the minute differances in fin patterns or scale counts on the midlateral spot are too hard to eyeball without a good referance for me.

 

[Modest_Man]

As darth pike mentions, THE book for eartheaters is South American Eartheaters by Thomas Weidner.

 

[darth pike]

Thanks Modest Man, that's the one I was refering to. When I posted I was in a hurry and didn't have the time to look it up.

 

[abarilot]

Nice!!! Thanks sooo much!!! Off to amazon!

 

[abarilot]

Sadly the book is out of print Do you guys know if there is anywhere besides Amazon.com to get the book? If not is there another book or an updated version? Thanks again!