Lets ID a Doradid (Pics included!)!

[Desert Bus]

I stopped by one of my favorite LFS's today because I don't get out that way all that often anymore. It was new fish day, and as I was browsing I noticed that their shipment of Amblydoras nauticus didn't all look the same. Already owning two Amblydoras nauticus, I went for one of the ones that looked different.

Longer, thinner body. Darker coloring. It was obvious that the coloration wasn't stress, as the true Amblydoras nauticus looked normal. So far in terms of behavior it's surprising me. My two Marbled and one Striped Raphael are all hiding from the light, as per usual, and just like every other Doradid I've ever owned. Despite the abundance of perfectly good hiding spots this fish feels no need.

Now, on to the pics. If you need pictures from any angle to aid in identification, ask. Here is what I both took and didn't suck:

 

[knifegill]

Amblydoras nauticus. I have two. That one just looks emaciated and on death's bed.

 

[Desert Bus]

Next time I feel like getting wet I'll separate out my two Amblydoras nauticus and this thing for more and better comparison shots.

Now that you've put the thought into my head that it may simply be old and decrepit it does seem likely. If I'm recalling correctly from when I looked at them at the LFS yesterday, then I'm pretty sure all of the darker fish were among the biggest.

If, however, it is a different fish, it's not all that exciting since it looks like an uglier version of your average Amblydoras nauticus.

 

[knifegill]

Well, there are some look-alikes. The helmet doradid and the hildadoras species do look alike. I would peruse the list of doradids on Planet Catfish's Cat-E-Log and look for other possible matches.