Misc. juvenile ID

[Sinister-Kisses]

Just finished unboxing an order of fish, and what was supposed to be 6 x 1" baby O. heterospila actually is 5 baby heterospila and one...I don't know. Clearly an eartheather of some kind, and not a Geophagus. My first thought was Satanoperca when I saw it in the bag, but after looking at it now I'm leaning towards maybe a Gymnogeophagus? I only have limited Satanoperca experience (S. daemon, many years ago and not this small) and have never kept any Gymnos myself, just know the look. Anyone know what this little guy/gal may be?

https://flic.kr/p/2nCbuu3

https://flic.kr/p/2nCcSe1

 

[Sinister-Kisses]

...Bueller...Bueller..?

 

[duanes]

At a young age many Geophagines are so similar its nearly impossible to tell them apart. But
One distinguishing feature in your photo (at least at this point) is the partial bar, leaning toward the dorsal, running from above the eye.
G rufromarginalis sports this leaning bar ( that direction), as does G. santosi.
Gymnogeophagus I have seen with a bar that leans that way are from the rhabdotus group(as opposed to the gymnogenys). There are at least 13 Gymnogeophagus species, and many undescribed or location variants.
There are over 30 species of Geophagus, and many variants to help confuse the issue.
There are 10 recognized species of Satanoperca, but none of the adults sport that type leaning bar that I know of.
There is also Retroculous, but I doubt adults sport that directional leaning bar.
Ryan Smith might be able to give more insight
I've personally only kept a little over a dozen species of geophagines so am limited by my lack of first hand knowledge.

 

[Sinister-Kisses]

Yeah, I know they're tough to pin down when they're this small...just figured someone who was actually experience with them might be able to advise the genus anyway for the time being. I'll just let whatever it is grow out with the monte cristos and see what I get I guess lol.

 

[newworld]

The one and only… the red hump geophagus, g. Steindachneri

 

[Sinister-Kisses]

Ahh okay thanks for that. At least now I know what it is when I rehome it, makes it easier!