Rainbow vieja or Vieja synspila - Male or female, please see attached photo

[samc0101]

Experts,

I need your help on vieja synspila. My friend has received a fish but unsure of the sex. Seller had shown him pics of 2 vieja before selling & send 1 - himself not sure male or female. Please see the image sent by my friend attached herewith and tell me:

1. is it rainbow vieja or vieja synspila?
2. Which one is it from the seller's pic?
3. Is it male or female?

regards

Sam

 

[Aquaticfan]

Cant say ive seen or heard of " Rainbow Vieja" by itself. I believe that this is one name that has been given to Vieja Regani ive read. Fish is still to young to determin fully what it is. It could be either Syn or Regani.
No way to sex this fish at this time other then Venting.

Would need better pictures to get more info

 

[fug202]

Looks like a syn to me. I think you received the one on the left - the pattern at the base of the tail matches. Can't tell the sex from the photo. Syns generally color up a lot when they reach the 4-5" mark, and the one you have is already showing some nice gold on the sides.

 

[the animal guy]

need the fish's colors to come out. It looks like it;s neglected..

 

[samc0101]

Thanks guys for your replies, here more snaps for your reference. This fish was damaged in transit, my friend takes care well - it will recover. Just tell me will hikari pellets, humpyhead, grandsumo, JBL flowermaxi suffice for this vieja. Seeing the finage, body and head shape i think its a male, what about you guys?

P.S.- Aquaticfan, thanx for replying but i don't agree with you its not vieja regani. Vieja synspila is the scientific name of the species. It is popularly known by names like Rainbow Vieja, Redhead cichlid, Quetzal cichlid, Pastel cichlid.

 

[the animal guy]

is the fish settled and adapted or is he a neglected fish?? If he's well taken care of like you said and that's the everyday color then it's a Hybrid.

because Vieja Syns should never be looking like that.

 

[Aquaticfan]

Thanks guys for your replies, here more snaps for your reference. This fish was damaged in transit, my friend takes care well - it will recover. Just tell me will hikari pellets, humpyhead, grandsumo, JBL flowermaxi suffice for this vieja. Seeing the finage, body and head shape i think its a male, what about you guys?

P.S.- Aquaticfan, thanx for replying but i don't agree with you its not vieja regani. Vieja synspila is the scientific name of the species. It is popularly known by names like Rainbow Vieja, Redhead cichlid, Quetzal cichlid, Pastel cichlid.

Cant say ive ever heard of the Vieja Synspila reffered to as Rainbow Vieja. I have heard of Vieja Regani being refered to as Rainbow Vieja. You asked if it was a Rainbow Vieja or a Synspilla. Technically the correct scientific name for the Synspila is Paraneetroplus synspilus. Its no longer considered Vieja. Vieja is the "old" term.

I also have to agree with The animal guy. It doesnt look like a Syns. It looks like a hybrid. Ive got 3 Syns and none of mine look like that.

 

[JK Monster Fish]

Thanks guys for your replies, here more snaps for your reference. This fish was damaged in transit, my friend takes care well - it will recover. Just tell me will hikari pellets, humpyhead, grandsumo, JBL flowermaxi suffice for this vieja. Seeing the finage, body and head shape i think its a male, what about you guys?

P.S.- Aquaticfan, thanx for replying but i don't agree with you its not vieja regani. Vieja synspila is the scientific name of the species. It is popularly known by names like Rainbow Vieja, Redhead cichlid, Quetzal cichlid, Pastel cichlid.

i thought quetzal cichlid was the common name for paratheraps melanurus...

 

[decoy50]

Def not regani & you can only accurately sex vieja by venting. I also agree that it looks like a hybrid - pretty unique coloration on it too. Post progression pics.

 

[samc0101]

Hi Experts,

Wanted to update you with some snaps of the vieja. Its depressing as the vieja is still faded i.e. without colours and is regularly jittering its head and fins - is it itch? Also a pink tubelike (have marked with yellow) has appeared near its anus. Is this because it has been kept with with a fertile female egg laying redshock? Or is this any kind of disease. Also see the fins and head structure, do they show male traits. It is around 5inch. When shall the colors start becoming prominent

Also are they hardy enough fishes like flowerhorn who do not need thermostats and eats pellets like grandsumo, JBL, humpyhead, hikari. Do i need to use thermostat and increase temp or apply some meds? In Kolkata the temp is 26-32 degree celsius. Also does vieja tolerate salt in water, as its a natural healing agent.

See the attached photos and advise. And i expect some healthy conversation and no ego tussles - you're the experts of vieja and i am here to learn.

regards
Sam