Cichla ID thread

[Irbanjaxed]

5 1/2 in now still a juvie?

 

[hurricane_redbone]

I get how to identify most of the cichla when they are bigger. but how the hell do you guys see the difference with the small ones?

 

[blacktip]

Well trained eyes. The differences in juveniles are very subtle and until you see them side by side are very difficult to notice. Even then, with occelaris and monos it is still nearly impossible to identify them with 100% certainty 100% of the time.

 

[crowconor]

THIS WAS AWESOME INFO THANKS A BUNCH I CAN IDENTIFY THEM NOW I READ EVERY SINGLE COMMENT

 

[silverdragon]

Formalized Terminology (after Kullander and Ferreira, 2006)

[SIZE=+1]Abdominal[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Blotches [/SIZE]

A series of dark markings in the region of the abdomen that is covered by the pectoral fin when it is pressed against the body. Typical in C. monoculus, C. ocellaris, C. nigromaculata, C. pleiozona and C. kelberi. May feature several black blotches sometimes lined by light margins. [SIZE=+1]Caudal[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Blotch[/SIZE]

The caudal blotch is what has given the peacock bass its common name. It starts as a dark spot covering 2 or 3 rays of the caudal (tail) fin. With maturity, the blotch becomes larger and margined with a silvery or golden ring. The blotch is reminiscent of the eyes on a peacock (bird) tail feather. Horizontal
rows of
light spots

Except for C. intermedia, all species of peacock bass appear to have a pattern of light spots on their sides during at least some of their developmental stages. In C. temensis and possibly others, the spots may be more evident during non-spawning periods of individual's reproductive cycles. Lateral
Blotches

In some species of Cichla the color pattern includes large roundish blotches along the middle of the side, corresponding to the position of the three numbered vertical bars. This is exemplified in C. thyrorus, C. vazzoleri and C. jariina and others. Lateral
Band

Juveniles specimens generally possess a complete dark horizontal band extending from the head to the caudal fin base. In some species this band is abbreviated. Usually disappears with maturity. Ocellated
Markings

An ocellus or ocellar blotch is a dark round marking outlined with a light border color, resembling and sometimes called an eye-spot. Ocellated markings may appear in various areas of the body including the tail (caudal blotch), the sides corresponding to the vertical bars (C. orinocensis) or scattered about the body (C. melaniae). Occipital
Bar

A dark stripe above the gill cover and running obliquely across the nape. Prominent in large specimens of C. monoculus, C. pleiozona and C. kelberi Postorbital
Markings

Black markings arranged in and around a horizontal band running from the eye to the posterior edge of the operculum in juveniles. May be represented by irregular or isolated blotches or small spots, as in C. temensis. Often referred to as cheek markings Vertical
Bars

Black or dark bars are present in some form in all species of Cichla. Three bars, 1, 2 and 3 are arrayed on the sides below the dorsal fins. Bars 1a and 2a occur in several species and are located between 1 and 2, and 2 and 3 respectively. A fourth bar (4) is found in some species or individuals on the caudal peduncle

Ref: http://www.acuteangling.com/taxonomy/peacock-bass-species.html​

 

[CichlaRyan]

great find silver. We are ggonna need some melanaie pics.

 

[X-Tank]

great find silver. We are ggonna need some melanaie pics.

Any idea what kind of temensis is this??

 

[CichlaRyan]

i know what it is, and i bet you do too =p very nice looking.

 

[$INI$T3R]

these are my new guys. I have no idea what species they are, But they are Awesome non the less....


Attached Thumbnails

 

[Bartkee]

1 of the guys was hurt by aro. but oke now,
just regular occelaris?