Port cichlid project

[dogofwar]

Dimerus also varies quite a bit by location: I have some from villa constitucion in Uruguay that are quite dark with blue on their ventral fins... While the ones from the area a bit north are quite a bit lighter and greener

although attached pics aren't working now, I have posted quite a few acara pics in the past

what is the scientific way to differentiate cichlasoma and aequidens of the port complex like teramerus, patricki, etc?

Matt

 

[Mahlerfan]

dogofwar, yes I've seen some of the photos you've posted. Really beautiful fish. I actually have a few young Cichlasoma dimerus "Constitucion" that I got from Ken Davis, growing out.

Kullander list several anatomical differences between both the genus Aequidens and Cichlasoma. Most of these differences are not really visible without dissecting your fish. However there are 2 that can be used by hobbyist to tell the difference between the two genera. First the dorsal and anal fins of Cichlasoma have scales at their bases, while Aequidesns do not. Second, and probably the easiest to see on living fish is the number of vertical bars on the sides. Cichlasoma have 6, from the mid lateral spot to the caudal fin, while Aequidens have no more than five, or less.

When the attachments are working again, I'd love to see more photos of your male Cichlasoma from Bella Union. Thanks.