How to tell Retroculus Xinguensis from Lapidifer at 2"?

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The xinguensis definitely have broad bands in their caudal fins. It's the one thing that stands out in every juvenile picture I've seen of them. The lapidifer pictures sometimes show bands, sometimes the fins even look clear, but they never look quite as distinct as the xinguensis.

What about the other species of Retroculus? ;)
 
The xinguensis definitely have broad bands in their caudal fins. It's the one thing that stands out in every juvenile picture I've seen of them. The lapidifer pictures sometimes show bands, sometimes the fins even look clear, but they never look quite as distinct as the xinguensis.

What about the other species of Retroculus? ;)


Septentrionalis? Im not sure if any members here have this specie?
 
Septentrionalis? Im not sure if any members here have this specie?

Yeah, I was just teasing the Retroculus keepers around here. ;) According to Cichlid Room Companion there's also an undescribed species that Oliver Lucanus wrote about in 2011.
 
Yeah, I was just teasing the Retroculus keepers around here. ;) According to Cichlid Room Companion there's also an undescribed species that Oliver Lucanus wrote about in 2011.

Yes Ryan there are a few. There is a retroculus they call 'Alto Tocantins' and also a species that comes from rio tapajos. And for the septentrionalis, I don't think they have ever been imported to the US.. I have a pic of it in the wild though and looks amazing! Orange head :)


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Orange head retroculus? :WHOA:

And they were already on my wish list of fish to do some day when I'm ready to dedicate a tank to them. :cool:
 
MFK Members, anyone have experience in breeding lapidifer? Currently i have a pair that i am gonna try breeding it. Need tip on water condition. Thanks


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From what I read its nothing special, ive read people breed then in ranges from 6.2-7.4. Temp usually at 82-86*F. Also add small pebbles to the tank because they will add them to the pit of eggs.


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From what I read its nothing special, ive read people breed then in ranges from 6.2-7.4. Temp usually at 82-86*F. Also add small pebbles to the tank because they will add them to the pit of eggs.

I was surprised when reading about Retroculus that they don't seem too picky about their parameters. It seems they're only picky about having very clean, very heavily oxygenated water.

My guess is that an increase in O2 and maybe a slight dip in temperature would be a good trigger to start with. Conditioning them with some worms (live or frozen) might help, too.
 
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