The many faces of Amphilophus sagittae

[bigguapote]

If the popularity of a species can be attributed to folks seeing photos that make them want to keep that species, then I hope this helps sagittae.
This species and xiloaensis are too cool. The variability within a single spawn of them is endless.

These fish are strong and active swimmers. They are anything but shy.
I've kept them with many other similar and larger sized fish with very good success.
The xanthic or colored form seen below is so darned rare in nature. By and large, it's barred individuals that are encountered.

I no longer have any of my wild xanthic pairs, but take a look at these F1 sagittae at about 4" size on average.

white w/ orange

orange w/ blue

barred

pink w/ orange

white w/ blue & orange

pink w/ orange & black

looks like some piebaldness going on here

white w/ blue & orange

white w/ orange

pink w/ red

 

[SOKO]

Nice fish. Maybe I'll pick order one next time. The only thing is that what makes them different than the citrinaellus and labiatus. I don't really happen to see much of a difference.

 

[Dmaan.]

barred ftw.

 

[bigguapote]

Nice fish. Maybe I'll pick order one next time. The only thing is that what makes them different than the citrinaellus and labiatus. I don't really happen to see much of a difference.

Good question. This species is an open water predator, unlike the rock dwelling labiatus and citrinellus (at least in the wild).
These fish are more elongated than either of the above species. They tend to remain right out in the open most all the time, whereas labiatus and citrinellus may tend to hang around decor (or often UNDER decor-which is the case for many solo tanked labiatus).

 

[SMS]

What is the average adult size of these?

 

[dogofwar]

Great explanation, Jeff!

It never ceases to amaze me how life (cichlids) adapts and evolves to its habitats / conditions. Other predators hanging out in the rocks...a new species (population) evolves to catch prey in the open water. Mother nature designs with a purpose

Good question. This species is an open water predator, unlike the rock dwelling labiatus and citrinellus (at least in the wild).
These fish are more elongated than either of the above species. They tend to remain right out in the open most all the time, whereas labiatus and citrinellus may tend to hang around decor (or often UNDER decor-which is the case for many solo tanked labiatus).

 

[orbit]

What is the average adult size of these?

I believe the normal average size for an adult is 10-12". I have seen the Barred variation and must say, they are an awesome specie!

They do not hide as mentioned before, will greet you whenever you come up to the tank. Breed easily too!

I would have to say this is one of the highest "personality" cichlids out there.

Just be sure to get one from a reputable breeder such as Rapps!!

 

[scratanut]

They are looking pretty much like devils to me....It can be a possibility that same labiatus and citrinellus might be dwelling in open at other locations.
Its not rare in cichlids of same similar species to be a bit elongated or stockier.

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

The variable colors are incredible, definitely a species worth checking out for me

 

[bigguapote]

They are looking pretty much like devils to me....It can be a possibility that same labiatus and citrinellus might be dwelling in open at other locations.
Its not rare in cichlids of same similar species to be a bit elongated or stockier.

Um... I imported the wild breeding stock direct from Nicaragua for all Amphilophus species I offer, several species of which had never been imported into the US prior to then.
They are correctly identified-no worries about that scratanut.