Amphilophus labiatus

[RD.]

You clearly didn't read the papers in that link. I'm well aware of what both cits and labs look like in the wild, and have probably seen every photo of wild specimens that Rapps has listed for sale over the past decade. You really should read the papers in that link to help you better understand the genus, and the fish collected in the various different crater lakes. Physical appearances, as well as DNA, within both species is not as simplistic as many people think.

If it makes you feel better, call Buddy's fish a midas - I'm pretty sure that he won't mind. I know I wouldn't.

 

[Cyberman]

Why don't we just cut our losses here and admit to the fact species do hybridize in the wild

 

[RD.]

Again, had you read some of the papers that I so graciously supplied you, you would know that the DNA taken among the Amphilophus in the craters lakes, does not support interbreeding in the wild, specifically between A. labiatus, and A. citrinellus.


FYI - Buddy's lab is still a juvie, not near full grown. The one in the pic that you posted was 12+ inches long when that photo was taken. Last time I spoke to the owner he said that it was closer to 14" long, and deeper. Not a typical labiatus specimen, either, and looked far different than when it was fresh from being collected in the wild. These fish can change a lot as they mature, and when kept in captivity.

 

[sbgbuddy]

I think that's a big problem people don't understand just how much these fish can change when kept in home aquariums. All my Amphs come from what most would say are reliable sources. But look how massive some of there nuchal humps are. From my understanding you never see that in the wild. I have had a few people question my F1 Xiloaensis from rapps was really a Xiloaensis. Because he does not fit the supposed description of what people have seen in the wild. Mainly because he is very large and has a large nuchal. But how many 9 year old Tank raised F1 Xiloaensis do we have to compare to?

 

[dan518]

I read a article (cannot remember where I found it) saying that ca cichlids that make it to spawning age have a average life expectancy of 7 years.
Comparing old well fed aquarium specimens to there natural counterparts, to me there are going to be difference.

 

[ShadowStryder]

Stunning specimen

 

[RD.]

I was going to add this last night, but didn't want to derail your thread anymore than it already had been.

https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/...chal-hump-in-amphilophus.472442/#post-5703476

George Barlow, a researcher who has spent more time studying these fish both in the wild, and captivity, than most people on MFK have been alive, stated;

"Groups of males kept without females in large tanks regularly develop enormous nuchal humps that persist. The humps on such males often become grotesque, and far exceed anything seen in nature."

Add to that, there are always exceptions to every rule. It's called genetics.
Check out Ken's F2 midas. Most people would think that it was a Flowerhorn. lol And it looked like this even when females were not present. It is a freak of nature, and one would never be seen like this in the wild.

And then there are males with no humps, and females with large humps.

All of your fish are uber impressive, Buddy. Kudos to you for taking such great care of them. In the wild they live in polluted water, and scrounge for their next meal. The large specimens that are caught in nets are sold at market and eaten by the locals.

 

[Cyberman]

Here's an interesting one... Do scientists believe a Hybrid has the same nuclear DNA of one of its parent species?

 

[RD.]

Why not start your own thread and ask - and let Buddy enjoy his thread about his fish.

 

[NW Cichlid Keith]

I think that's a big problem people don't understand just how much these fish can change when kept in home aquariums. All my Amphs come from what most would say are reliable sources. But look how massive some of there nuchal humps are. From my understanding you never see that in the wild. I have had a few people question my F1 Xiloaensis from rapps was really a Xiloaensis. Because he does not fit the supposed description of what people have seen in the wild. Mainly because he is very large and has a large nuchal. But how many 9 year old Tank raised F1 Xiloaensis do we have to compare to?View attachment 1243239

I get jealous every time you post this guys pic - impressive