Red Devil? Thoughts?

[Red Devil]

You cannot visually tell the genetic makeup of a fish. Anyone who says otherwise is simply guessing. Odds are it's a mix of both, unless it came from a reputable source.

you are absolutely correct that you cannot know the exact genetics unless you buy from a reputable breeder... 100% correct... but since most of don't buy from well known breeders and instead from local LFS we can only rely on characteristics..

 

[WhitetigerFish]

Here is my female, RD/Midas cross i believe.. Maybe full RD but she is young and pretty stocky if RD... Enjoy awesome and mean fish

 

[mbunafishkeeper]

there is no way too tell, unless you bought from a reliable resource i.e rapps or ken or conkel

 

[K626]

I got it from a reputable lfs that's been in business and a family friend for over 40 years. So I have confidence that it's red devil, but I'd be happy with anything cause it's personality is great.

 

[orbit]

but I'd be happy with anything cause it's personality is great.

Well said!

 

[nomadofthehills]

What makes you even suspect it is a red devil?

Where did you buy it? What did you buy it as? Unless it was sold explicitly as Amphilophus labiatus, I wouldn't even consider the chance that it is "pure."

 

[K626]

What makes you even suspect it is a red devil?

Where did you buy it? What did you buy it as? Unless it was sold explicitly as Amphilophus labiatus, I wouldn't even consider the chance that it is "pure."

I bought it as a red devil. I bought it at a reputable fish store with over 40 years experience. And my, aren't you just as friendly as can be, and optimistic too! And why, my friend, wouldn't you even consider the chance that it is pure?

 

[jgentry]

I don't think it matters either way. It could be a midas, or a red devil or a mix. All of them are great fish. The reason he says he wouldn't consider it a red devil is because probably 90% or maybe even a good bit higher of the fish sold a red devils are not pure. Even if the store is reputable and experienced they generally do not know the difference either. Most fish stores are going to think why pay more for a red fish from Rapps or Ken or whoever that is guarenteed pure when we can get a good looking red fish for much cheaper. They make more money and you still get a red fish! The only good local store in my area is quite large and has a ton a knowledgable people but every time I'm in there I see mislabled fish. just the way it is unfortunately.

Yours will be a nice fish no matter what it is!

 

[heavyhitter]

I does not look pure labiatus to me at all. It is still young, but I would wager $100 its not. However, this by no means it is any less of a fish. Infact you cant go wrong with any of the amphilophus complex.

I really like the coloration but at that age that too can change alot by the time it is grown. The amphilophus is my favorite family of fish and the ones with really cool personalities make them even 100x better.

 

[nomadofthehills]

I bought it as a red devil. I bought it at a reputable fish store with over 40 years experience. And my, aren't you just as friendly as can be, and optimistic too! And why, my friend, wouldn't you even consider the chance that it is pure?

My point was that there is no difference between a red devil and a midas. There IS a difference, however, between an Amphilophus labiatus and an Amphilophus citrinellum. Common names mean nothing. Unless it was explicity sold as WC or "pure," there is NO reason to suspect it is a "pure" species.


That said, I enjoy my hobby Amphilophus complex hybrid