New Geophagus...Pair?

[Optimist]

Hi guys! Today I picked up a "pair" of Geophagus from my favorite fish store. Of course, they were labeled as surinamensis, but I'm guessing they are altifrons. The guy seemed pretty confident that he picked me a male and female. Having never kept Geophagus, I could only go along with what he said (It was kind of an impulse buy). Aside from size, there seems to be a couple differences between the two fish in coloration. The big guy is obviously a male, but my question is: what about the smaller one? Is it a female? Is it even from the same locality? The big one is about 7" and the smaller one is about 5". Here are some pictures:

Male:

Female? (She's a little beaten up):

Together:

Here is their tankmate, Crenicichla cf. iguapina:

 

[CaLiGrEEnZ]

nice gro br0.....

 

[peathenster]

are you sure they are actually the same species?

 

[abarilot]

I would say your right on about them being male and female. As for species I'd say abalios, but not too sure. This is the thread I used to help ID http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194494

For those that know the difference could someone post what to look for when IDing different species of geophagus cuz it would be great knowledge to spread!

 

[fishfarm]

I agree on abalios

 

[uncwnells]

great looking geos

 

[robmcd]

Nice pickups and great taste in fish. I really like the combination that you have chosen. That pike of yours is quite a looker as well. Good luck with them.....

 

[peathenster]

I hope this is not true but you might have two different species. Note the patterns of their tails - stripy vs. dotted.

 

[Ullopincrate]

It is hard to say of course but I'd put my money on you having a male and female of the same species. I also would give a 90% guess in agreement with the other two votes above of abalios species. Though the male has more "plumage" if you will, the fins seem to be of exactly the same shape. Their heads are shaped the same. Black spot in same position though harder to see on the male and their lateral lines look almost identical.

 

[Optimist]

Thanks for all the comments guys. I agree, Geophagus abalios seems like the best match. My main concern with the smaller female was that she has a lot of yellow coloration while the male is more red/orange. Will her coloration change with age? Other than that, the black spot is in the exact same place and the tail pattern is very similar.

I also have a question on stocking. The tank is a 120 gallon which includes 1 Crenicichla iguapina (Should probably grow to about 10"), 2 hoplo cats, and the 2 Geophagus. I really wanted to stick with fish from southern brazil but I caved when I saw these geos. I know abalios get large, but based on my current stock, do you think I could get some more?