My LFS has "snakeskin" RBPs. Anybody know what this is? I'm assuming it has something to do with pigmentation.
Snakeskin RBPs?
- Thread starter Diogenes
- Start date
from OPEFE: http://opefe.com/nattereri.html
COMMENTS ABOUT SUPER REDS OR SNAKESKIN Pygocentrus nattereri BY FRANK MAGALLANES
The common name Super Red is meaningless for any specific P. nattereri since these fish can be highly colored in dark red or reddish-orange within its range. The common name has been applied to fish from Peru. A look at the geographical forms of P. nattereri can show that some are more brilliant than others. This color can also be lost during the fishes growth in your aquarium or a dealer's tank as the fish matures. The dealer who coined that name for his fish was probably unaware (at the time) this name could apply to a number of species. It is a relatively new name in the piranha hobby and it is indeed foolish to just attach it to just one locality of P. nattereri.
As for the reticulated P. nattereri, this feature is found on some but not all of the fishes from the middle Amazon. If one wanted to call this a Snakeskin, then that would be fine for a common name so long as the person understands that feature is eventually lost behind the brilliant scales. For some unknown reason, this name was eventually grouped with Super Red. Again its value is a minor concern. The real value in these wild fishes is the fact they are wild and can replenish a diminished gene pool if you are into breeding piranhas. Some people collect solely for their beauty (which is what I do). Others because they are "wild" and in that there is value.
The important thing for everyone to remember is BE INFORMED and don't blame dealers if they use a common name. It's up to you, the consumer, to know the difference.
COMMENTS ABOUT SUPER REDS OR SNAKESKIN Pygocentrus nattereri BY FRANK MAGALLANES
The common name Super Red is meaningless for any specific P. nattereri since these fish can be highly colored in dark red or reddish-orange within its range. The common name has been applied to fish from Peru. A look at the geographical forms of P. nattereri can show that some are more brilliant than others. This color can also be lost during the fishes growth in your aquarium or a dealer's tank as the fish matures. The dealer who coined that name for his fish was probably unaware (at the time) this name could apply to a number of species. It is a relatively new name in the piranha hobby and it is indeed foolish to just attach it to just one locality of P. nattereri.
As for the reticulated P. nattereri, this feature is found on some but not all of the fishes from the middle Amazon. If one wanted to call this a Snakeskin, then that would be fine for a common name so long as the person understands that feature is eventually lost behind the brilliant scales. For some unknown reason, this name was eventually grouped with Super Red. Again its value is a minor concern. The real value in these wild fishes is the fact they are wild and can replenish a diminished gene pool if you are into breeding piranhas. Some people collect solely for their beauty (which is what I do). Others because they are "wild" and in that there is value.
The important thing for everyone to remember is BE INFORMED and don't blame dealers if they use a common name. It's up to you, the consumer, to know the difference.
Diogenes;3093287; said:love to have a shoal of these bad boys:
columbian RBPs
is that a black humeral spot I see? breeding mode caribe??? but with the red eyes should be natt. .... in breeding mode as well... confused....but either way cool fish
