Geophagus Brasiliensis or Iporangensis

[mynheers_a_pint]

Evening all,

Something I've been toiling over the lasty few months is my pair of Geophagus 'Brasiliensis'. Ever since the male developed his Nauchal hump and red fins, I've been in two minds whether or not they are Brasiliensis. Heres a couple of pics of my pair;

Male (11-12")

Female (8-9")

Unfortunately, these pics are possibly 4 months old but newer pics would be somewhat underwhelming- I've had a few issues with my Black Wolf who's done a bit of damage to their fins.

The reason I am thinking Iporangensis is there are a number of photo's floating around that look very similar to my pair and I wasn't sure if they were miss labeled images or that I had my identification wrong.

Any help and advice is appreciated.

 

[jowens]

I don't have an answer, but I have to say that your male is stunning.

 

[darth pike]

They might not be actual brasiliensis, but they wouldn't be iporangensis. Your female alone is larger than what a male iporangensis gets. They are known as "dwarf brasiliensis" ... and while like most cichlids, they can get larger in the aquarium than in the wild, I just wouldn't see them getting close to double their size.

 

[Modest_Man]

They might not be actual brasiliensis, but they wouldn't be iporangensis. Your female alone is larger than what a male iporangensis gets. They are known as "dwarf brasiliensis" ... and while like most cichlids, they can get larger in the aquarium than in the wild, I just wouldn't see them getting close to double their size.

Took the words out of my mouth. Can't be iporangensis based off the size alone.

 

[mynheers_a_pint]

Took the words out of my mouth. Can't be iporangensis based off the size alone.

Good to know. I'm guessing then Brasiliensis is the only option, or are there other possibilities I've not seen?

Thanks.

 

[BastardFish]

yeah Brasiliensis for sure looks just like mine they are awesome I love how aggressive they are for Geos!

 

[darth pike]

There are believed to be many species within the brasiliensis complex, but until some scientist addresses which genus they belong to ... we really won't be able to tell some of the differances.