The rarest CA Cichlid?

[Scatocephalus]

Since a lot of you mentioned Steindachneri which one are you talking about?

Mo already gave you the name but here's some pics.

It is basically a larger, more elongated labridens type fish. Females develop the same breeding colors that are characteristic of the Herichthys genre. Very predatory looking fish. I'm excited to see these finally enter the hobby.

Mo, are they already being bred in the US or are you ramping up for a collection trip?

 

[Scatocephalus]

It's like any other hard to find fish. People want what they can't find. I can remember when everyone wanted the Barred Midas. Does that date me or what? Now they're everywhere.

I understand the fascination based on rarity. Just ask my wife how many "conversations" we've had about my ugly brown fish to which my only response is, "But they're really rare!"

If it makes you feel any better I remember the barred midas days as well... hell, I remember in the mid 80's when everyone was searching for nicaraguense. A local importer brought in a wild caught "pair" and sold them immediately for $300.00 As no one had ever really seen a mature pair they didn't realize it was two females but damn were they gorgeous!! Come to think of it, they were what really ramped up my interest in CA/SA cichlids. Up till then I was an Afriggin sucker.

 

[Jason_S]

Mo already gave you the name but here's some pics.

It is basically a larger, more elongated labridens type fish. Females develop the same breeding colors that are characteristic of the Herichthys genre. Very predatory looking fish. I'm excited to see these finally enter the hobby.

Mo, are they already being bred in the US or are you ramping up for a collection trip?

My understanding is also that H. steindachneri is the largest growing Herichthys. Can anyone confirm? Mo?

 

[NorCaliCichlids]

Looking for these myself

Hope my pair gets serious! I'm starting to think I may have the only pair in the US.

 

[the animal guy]

lol.

Ugly fishes.. No wonder they are rare..

In cichlids, that is usually the case. The nicer ones are popular and bred for the hobby already..

 

[warren4066]

^lol, i second that...hey its the truth

 

[Scatocephalus]

My understanding is also that H. steindachneri is the largest growing Herichthys. Can anyone confirm? Mo?

That is true. I think they grow up to 12"-14"

 

[TrikkyMakk]

The original Rivulatus (GT) would make my list. It's only within the last few years that Rapps has brought them in, and then only very occasionally. Somebody's probably breeding them by now, so that may change.

This is true. I would add white saum as well because you just don't see them a whole lot.

 

[HrHagel]

A. Margaritifer for sure.

All of the species mentioned by you guys are easely obtainable in europe (holland and germany in particular)