Geophagus ID and question

[BMac91]

So, I bought 2 of, what I believe to be Geophagus Altifrons, but they are pretty discolored still and in certain conditions they look like other types that resemble the altifrons. For instance, when eating bloodworms, they begin to show a few black columns on their bodies. So, my question is, I would like to have a grouping of 6 of these, but without me knowing for sure what they are I have been hesitant to buy anything.

With all of that being said, I REALLY like the dicrozoster, but wasn't sure if I bought 4 of those guys if they would school with my 2 mystery Geos, since they look similar but with different markings or if they would ignore each other.

Tank info, as a side note:
210 gallon
55 gallon MB sump

If you are good at ID'ing Geos, I have attached some pictures below, see if you guys have any opinions on it. They often have a very "greenish" tint to them.

 

[tlindsey]

So, I bought 2 of, what I believe to be Geophagus Altifrons, but they are pretty discolored still and in certain conditions they look like other types that resemble the altifrons. For instance, when eating bloodworms, they begin to show a few black columns on their bodies. So, my question is, I would like to have a grouping of 6 of these, but without me knowing for sure what they are I have been hesitant to buy anything.

With all of that being said, I REALLY like the dicrozoster, but wasn't sure if I bought 4 of those guys if they would school with my 2 mystery Geos, since they look similar but with different markings or if they would ignore each other.

Tank info, as a side note:
210 gallon
55 gallon MB sump

If you are good at ID'ing Geos, I have attached some pictures below, see if you guys have any opinions on it. They often have a very "greenish" tint to them.
View attachment 1177080 View attachment 1177081 View attachment 1177082

I don't remember the title of the thread, but type in chart of Geophagus in the search bar.

 

[ryansmith83]

If they don't have a cheek marking, it's probably G. abalios. The midlateral spot on altifrons is usually small to nonexistent. There are also several similar undescribed wilds sold as G. aff. altifrons which means they are similar, but not truly altifrons.

 

[BMac91]

So, whats the consensus on mixing "altifrons like" Geos? Would they school if I got the dicrozosters or would they create their own separate groups?

 

[ryansmith83]

They don't really school. Most geos are actively sifting all day so whether it's all one species or multiple species they will intermingle while sifting. Some will also hybridize so keep that in mind when mixing.

 

[BMac91]

Ok, thanks. Everything I kept reading said they needed a grouping of 5-8, so I wasn't sure if they "schooled" or just enjoyed each others company. I have had these for a little over a month and they never leave each other's side, so I assumed they keep in close proximity to their kind.

 

[Frank Castle]

duanes Stanzzzz7 peathenster dan518 fishnatics

 

[ryansmith83]

Ok, thanks. Everything I kept reading said they needed a grouping of 5-8, so I wasn't sure if they "schooled" or just enjoyed each others company. I have had these for a little over a month and they never leave each other's side, so I assumed they keep in close proximity to their kind.

They are more comfortable in groups, especially as juvies. As they get older and pair off they will tend to break up a bit more.

 

[peathenster]

it's probably G. abalios.

This.

"Preserved specimens of Geophagus abalios are distinguished from other Geophagus species without head markings except G. brokopondo by six vertical, parallel bars on the flank; it is distinguished from G. brokopondo by the anterior three bars, which are dorso-ventrally bisected by a clearer area, giving the impression of two thinner bars, whereas in the latter species all bars are solid; additionally, the sixth bar in G. abalios is elongate and restricted to the dorsal half of the caudal peduncle, above the lower lateral line, and in G. brokopondo the bar covers the entire caudal peduncle. "

Hernán L pez-Fernandez and Donald C. Taphorn, 2004

 

[BMac91]

Awesome, thanks guys. According to the Abalios profile I read, they live sympatrically with the dicrozoster and are often found together. Makes me feel better about going with the dicros, figure I will add 4 of those guys.