Cichlids

Borelli's dwarf cichlid, Apistogramma borellii, is from southern Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. Also known as the umbrella or yellow dwarf cichlid, it occurs in creeks and tributaries of the rio Paraguay, lower rio Paraná and Uruguay systems. Captive-raised fish are the recommended choice for the community aquarium, while wild examples are best kept alone or with small dither fishes.

Apistogramma hoignei is a dwarf cichlid from the Río Orinoco basin in Venezuela, including the Apure, Arauca and Caura drainages. It is also known from much of the lower Orinoco mainstream. Coded A116 under the DATZ system, it has similar-looking, possibly conspecific populations referred to as A117 or A118, and inhabits slower-moving tributaries, backwaters and creeks where leaf litter collects.

Apistogramma hongsloi is a dwarf cichlid from the Río Vichada and middle Río Meta basins in Colombia and the middle Orinoco in Venezuela. Coded A110 under the DATZ system, it has similar-looking, possibly conspecific populations referred to as A111 to A115 depending on locality. It lives in small tributaries and still waters, and males grow to 55 to 60 mm and females to 40 to 45 mm.

The dwarf flag cichlid, Laetacara curviceps, is a small cichlid from the lower Amazon basin in Brazil. An established aquarium favourite, it has also been called 'flag acara', 'smiling acara', 'sheepshead acara' and 'blunt-headed cichlid'. Populations differ in the degree of red and blue on the body and fins. It favours clear, slow-flowing water over leaf litter and is a biparental substrate-spawner.

The redbreast acara, Laetacara dorsigera, is a small cichlid from the Guaporé in Bolivia and Brazil, and the Paraná and Uruguay systems further south. Breeding males and females develop conspicuous red cheeks, opercula and belly, a feature L. curviceps lacks. A dark spot in the middle of the dorsal fin is shared only with L. curviceps and L. flamannellus. Populations vary in colour pattern, and it is a biparental substrate spawner growing to around 37 mm SL.

Laetacara fulvipinnis is a cichlid from the Orinoco, the Casiquiare and the upper and middle rio Negro in Venezuela and Brazil. Known in the hobby as L. sp. 'orangeflossen' before it was described, it takes its name from the reddish-yellow anal and caudal fins. It has been collected among leaf litter and submerged vegetation in very shallow, soft, acidic blackwater, and grows to around 74 mm SL. A biparental substrate-spawner, it lays its eggs on a solid surface such as a plant leaf.

Laetacara thayeri is a cichlid from the middle and upper Amazon basin in western Brazil and northern Peru. It is relatively rare in the aquarium trade. Ctenoid scales on the sides of the head and the lack of a dark spot at the caudal-fin base separate it from all congeners. Males grow larger than females and develop more-extended dorsal, anal and caudal fins.

Laetacara flamannellus is a small cichlid from the eastern coastal rivers of Amapá state, Brazil. It has mostly been collected from shallow, still water among sedge-like plants in grasslands that flood between January and June. An orange ring around the dark spot at the dorsal-fin base separates it from L. curviceps and L. dorsigera, and it may have been traded occasionally as L. curviceps.

The African butterfly cichlid, Anomalochromis thomasi, is a dwarf cichlid from forest streams in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. Juveniles can look a little dull on sale, but it is peaceful, relatively undemanding and easily bred, and one of the best choices for the newcomer to dwarf cichlids. The genus is monotypic, although several colour forms are available from time to time and some may prove to be distinct species.

The redspot dwarf cichlid, Apistogramma alacrina, is from the Río Guaviare (Orinoco) and Río Orteguaza (Amazon) drainages in Colombia. It differs from all other described members of the genus in having dark blotches at the dorsal and ventral base of the pectoral fins. Three very similar fishes coded A106, A107 and A108 may or may not be conspecific with it, since they show some differences in colour pattern and morphology.

The two-striped dwarf cichlid, Apistogramma bitaeniata, ranges across the Peruvian, Colombian and Brazilian Amazon, from the Marañón to the Tapajós. Also known as the banded dwarf cichlid, it occurs in several colour forms depending on locality, loosely grouped as 'red', 'blue', 'orange' and 'yellow' in the hobby. Many locality names are in use for these forms, and several are regularly applied incorrectly.

Apistogramma eunotus is a dwarf cichlid from the Río Ucayali in Peru and the Solimões/Amazon in Colombia and Brazil, as far east as the Japurá. Coded A73 under the DATZ system, it has similar-looking, possibly conspecific populations referred to as A74 to A77 depending on locality. It inhabits slow-moving streams, creeks and tributaries, and captive-raised fish are the recommended choice for the community aquarium.

Gnathochromis permaxillaris is a deep-water cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, recorded foraging at depths of up to 200 metres. The upper lip of adults is extended to extraordinary proportions, so the mouth faces downwards when opened, and the fish uses it to sift invertebrates from the sand. It is rare in the trade because it is difficult to collect in numbers, it is sensitive to deteriorating water quality, and the colour morphs should not be mixed as they may hybridise.

The blood-red jewel cichlid, Hemichromis lifalili, is a cichlid endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Often confused with H. bimaculatus, it has two black spots on the flanks against that species' three, and its round midlateral marking sits above the lateral line, unlike the oval one of the red form of H. guttatus. It becomes very aggressive when spawning but is fairly placid otherwise, and is not a particularly good species for the community tank or for newcomers to cichlids.

The severum, Heros efasciatus, is a cichlid from the Amazon main channel and the Rio Solimoes, also recorded from the Rio Xingu. One of the most popular and readily available cichlids in the hobby, it is sold in the standard green form and in gold. Many buyers do not realise it grows fairly large, often 20 to 25 cm in aquaria, and it needs a tank of at least 120 cm. Outside spawning it is fairly mild-mannered for its size.

The rainbow cichlid, Herotilapia multispinosa, is a Central American cichlid from eastern Honduras and throughout Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Peaceful by Central American standards, it suits fishkeepers who do not want the more aggressive species, and can live with tetras, barbs and smaller peaceful cichlids. In nature it inhabits turbid lakes, swamps and marshes with soft, muddy substrates, and in the aquarium it typically reaches around 10 cm.

The chocolate cichlid, Hypselecara temporalis, is a large cichlid from Peru, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil. It most often inhabits silt-laden, slow-flowing rivers, and has been collected in the Ucayali, Amazonas, Solimões, Amapá and Oyapock. Although it reaches 30 cm, it is quite a placid species and can be kept in a community of large fish in a suitably-sized tank.

Labidochromis caeruleus is a relatively peaceful mbuna from the northern part of Lake Malawi, best known in the hobby for its 'electric yellow' morph. That morph is one of the rarer forms in nature, where the blue and white variety is more widespread, and most fish on sale are tank-bred. It lives among rocks and in beds of Vallisneria. It was originally imported as L. tanganyicae, and should not be mixed with other forms or Labidochromis species as they may hybridise.

Melanochromis lepidiadaptes is an mbuna endemic to Lake Malawi, found only in a limited area around Makanjila Point on the eastern side. Originally sold as M. fuscus and then M. sp. 'lepidophage', it apparently feeds almost solely on the scales of other species in nature, though not other mbuna. Relatively peaceful for a Melanochromis, it suits a Lake Malawi aquarium with cichlids of similar size and disposition.

The golden dwarf cichlid, Nannacara anomala, ranges from the Rio Aruka in Guyana to the lower Rio Marowijne in Suriname. It is often found in flooded grassland in low-lying coastal areas, but most fish in the trade are mass-produced on farms in the Far East or Eastern Europe. Hardy and easy to breed, it is regarded as an excellent beginner's cichlid, though a female guarding fry can be very aggressive.

The striped dwarf cichlid, Nannacara taenia, is known only from the area around Belém in Pará state, Brazil. A fairly shy fish of small, densely planted streams, it tends towards a drab brown and is rarely seen in shops, so it is more often obtained through specialist cichlid dealers or amateur enthusiasts. The female guards the eggs in a small cave while the male guards the wider territory.

The sulphur-headed hap, Otopharynx lithobates, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, where it lives among caves and crevices in rocky areas. A true rock dweller, it is hardly ever seen in open water, even in aquaria. In breeding males the three flank spots are masked by neon blue patterning and the dorsal fin and top of the head turn deep yellow-orange. It has been sold in the trade as 'Aristochromis sp. red top'.

The jaguar cichlid, Parachromis managuensis, is a large predatory cichlid from eastern Central America, from Honduras through Nicaragua to Costa Rica. Almost exclusively carnivorous, it will see smaller fish as food and is always territorial. A large aquarium is required, and a single spawn from large adults can produce 3000 fry.

The false yellowjacket cichlid, Parachromis motaguensis, is a large predatory cichlid from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. It occurs in lakes and larger streams, most often in the central flowing parts of rivers. Aggressive towards its own and other species, it treats anything that fits in its mouth as food, and a breeding pair will hurt any other fish in the tank, even significantly bigger ones.

Paratilapia polleni is a large cichlid endemic to Madagascar, widespread on the island and known to many natives as 'marakely', meaning 'black fish'. Like most Madagascan cichlids it is highly endangered in the wild through habitat destruction and competition from introduced species. Large- and small-spotted forms exist whose identity is unconfirmed, and they should never be mixed in aquaria since they hybridise freely.

The Super VC 10 hap, Placidochromis milomo, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, found in the southern part of the lake and at Nkhata Bay. Wild fish have massively enlarged lips for scraping algae and invertebrates from rocks, but these usually recede in the aquarium and do not develop at all in tank-bred fish. Relatively peaceful, it does well with larger Malawians but not mbuna, and only one male should be kept unless the tank is very large.

The angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare, is a cichlid from the Amazon, Essequibo, Oyapock and other rivers of northern South America. Adults reach 15 cm in body length and 20 cm or more in height, so it needs a tall tank. Almost all fish on sale are mass-produced, in black, gold and koi strains as well as the standard silver, and while generally peaceful it may eat small fish such as tetras.

The jewel cichlid, Rubricatochromis bimaculatus, is a cichlid from Africa's western coast, between southern Guinea and central Liberia. Regularly seen in the trade and often sold as a community fish, it is not recommended for the beginner or the general community tank, and it becomes very aggressive when spawning. It can be told from Hemichromis lifalili by a third black spot, on the caudal peduncle. It is still often sold as Hemichromis bimaculatus.

The blackbelt cichlid, Vieja maculicauda, is a large cichlid found from the Usumacinta basin in Guatemala south to the River Chagres in Panama. It takes its name from the vertical black stripe around its flank and from its toughness. It lives in slow-moving rivers and lakes, sometimes in brackish or even marine conditions, and should only be kept with similarly aggressive fish of similar size.

The black-chinned xenotilapia, Xenotilapia melanogenys, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it lives in huge shoals over sandy substrates. Much of the literature still places it in the genus Enatiopus. The shoals in nature appear to be fixed, with an individual remaining in the same group for life. A skittish fish, it may react very nervously to rapid movements outside the tank and should not be kept with boisterous fish such as mbuna.

The golden julie, Julidochromis ornatus, is a cave-spawning cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, found mainly in the north of the lake. One of the most common Julie species in aquaria, it may also be sold as the yellow or ornate julie. Most specimens available are tank bred and lack the bright colouration of wild fish. Several geographical morphs and an albino aquarium sport exist, and none should be kept with other Julidochromis as they may hybridise.

Laetacara araguaiae is a small cichlid from the rio Araguaia basin in central Brazil. Known in the hobby as L. sp. 'Buckelkopf' before it was described, it grows to around 35 mm SL and is a biparental substrate-spawner. Some populations differ from one another in colour pattern, and 7-8 dorsal-fin rays separate it from all congeners.

Mesonauta insignis is a cichlid from the Orinoco and Negro drainages in Brazil and Venezuela. It looks very similar to M. festivus, and there is some debate that it is the fish sold in aquatic stores as the flag cichlid. Both species are probably sold under that name, depending on where the fish were caught and exported from. A peaceful cichlid, it becomes more aggressive when breeding.

Nanochromis nudiceps is a dwarf cichlid from the Cuvette Centrale region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rarely imported, it is easily confused with N. parilus, but males lack the barring in the upper caudal fin and have dark-edged body scales, and females have a spotted lower caudal. It needs very soft, acidic water, will not spawn above pH 6.5 and is not recommended for beginners.

Nanochromis parilus is a dwarf cichlid from the Democratic Republic of Congo, found in slow-moving areas of streams. One of the commoner Nanochromis in the hobby, it is easily confused with N. nudiceps, but males show barring in the upper half of the caudal fin and females have an unpatterned lower caudal. A bi-parental cave spawner, it needs soft, acidic water and is best kept in pairs.

Nanochromis transvestitus is a dwarf cichlid known only from Lake Mai-Ndombe, a blackwater lake in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The name refers to the female being the more colourful fish, with a red flush to the belly. It lives in rocky areas of the lake, needs very soft, acidic water, will not usually spawn much above pH 6.0 and is not recommended for beginners.

Neolamprologus boulengeri is a small shell-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, found along the Tanzanian shoreline in the north of the lake. It lives among scattered rocks and open sand littered with empty snail shells. It is told apart from N. hecqui and Lamprologus kungweensis by the orange border on its dorsal and anal fins, and it will spawn in small caves if no shells are available.

Neolamprologus brevis is a shell-dwelling cichlid found widely throughout Lake Tanganyika, and one of the commoner shell dwellers in the hobby. Where few snail shells collect, pairs share the same shell. Its territories are usually no more than 6" across but are defended vigorously. It is told apart from the similar Neolamprologus ocellatus by the vertical barring on its flanks.

Neolamprologus marunguensis is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, found over rocky shorelines around the southwestern shore of the lake. It has a deeply forked tail and was previously sold as Neolamprologus sp. 'walteri'. Relatively peaceful, it becomes very territorial when breeding and is best kept in a species tank.

Neolamprologus multifasciatus is a shell-brooding cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, and probably the smallest known cichlid species. It lives in fairly deep water around the shoreline, over soft substrates where the empty shells of snails collect. Each fish defends a territory usually no more than 6" across, and a group kept with more shells than fish will form a colony.

The ocellated shell-dweller, Neolamprologus ocellatus, is a small shell-brooding cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It buries its shell until only the entrance shows and defends it vigorously, sometimes burying neighbouring shells as well to keep other fish out. Males grow much larger than females, and a gold morph has become popular in the hobby. The lack of vertical barring on the flanks separates it from the similar N. brevis.

Neolamprologus signatus is a shell-brooding cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, known from Moba in DR Congo south to Cape Kapembwa in Zambia. Males and females look very different. Males grow larger and have vertical bars on the flanks, and females have none. Only one male should be kept unless the aquarium is large.

Neolamprologus similis is a small shell-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, and one of the less frequently seen shelldwellers in the hobby. It lives around the shoreline over soft substrates where empty snail shells collect, and defends a territory usually no more than 6" across. Light stripes and additional barring on the head and neck separate it from the similar N. multifasciatus.

Neolamprologus speciosus is a shell-brooding cichlid endemic to the south-western end of Lake Tanganyika. Very similar to N. ocellatus, it often carries the trade name 'black ocellatus', and it lives alongside N. stappersi in nature. Males are much larger than females, and it breeds quite easily in snail shells that females bury until only the entrance is visible.

Neolamprologus stappersi is a shell-brooding cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, found on the Congo side of the lake between Moliro and Kalemie. Originally thought to be a morph of N. ocellatus, it is still occasionally offered as 'pearly ocellatus' and may be seen under the invalid name L. meleagris. It defends its shell and the small territory around it vigorously, and dried foods are sometimes refused.

The kribensis, Pelvicachromis pulcher, is a cichlid from Nigeria and Cameroon, found in still and slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters. One of the most common cichlids in the hobby since the 1950s, it is almost always captive bred, and farmed fish are far more adaptable to water chemistry than wild ones. A cave spawner that forms monogamous pairs, it is often the first fish bred by newcomers and becomes very territorial when breeding.

The ocellated kribensis, Pelvicachromis subocellatus, is a cichlid from Nigeria, Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It inhabits pools and slow-moving streams in coastal areas, some of them brackish. Less commonly seen than other Pelvicachromis, it is available in morphs such as 'Matadi' and 'Moanda', and has a higher, shorter body than its congeners with much lighter spotting in the upper part of the caudal fin.

The striped kribensis, Pelvicachromis taeniatus, is a cichlid from still and slow-moving forest streams and rivers in Nigeria and Cameroon. Over a dozen morphs are available, including 'Dehane', 'Moliwe', 'Lobe' and 'Nigeria Red', and these should not be cross bred if the lines are to stay pure. A more pronounced upper lip, often bright yellow, separates it from congeners, and unlike most Pelvicachromis the males rival the females in colour.

Variabilichromis moorii is a lamprologine cichlid endemic to the southern part of Lake Tanganyika, living in shallow water around rocky shorelines. All adults are dark, but depending on locality the fry may be dark, yellow or orange. The only known lamprologine that eats filamentous algae, it is often sold as Neolamprologus moorii and is relatively peaceful even when spawning.

The zebra acara, Ivanacara adoketa, is a cichlid from Brazil that appears to be endemic to the middle and upper rio Negro system. It inhabits dark, shaded rainforest streams where the water is stained brown with humic acids and the pH can be as low as 3.0 or 4.0. Rare in the hobby, it is a bi-parental substrate spawner that uses a cave if available, and its eggs develop only in water of little-to-no detectable hardness.

The calvus cichlid, Altolamprologus calvus, is a laterally compressed predatory cichlid endemic to the rocky shores and islands of Lake Tanganyika. Its shape lets it enter crevices in the rockwork to prey on eggs, fry and small fish, and its thick scales have serrated edges. Several colour forms from different parts of the lake are regularly available and should be kept apart so they do not hybridise. Wild fish are sensitive to changes in water chemistry.

The compressed cichlid, Altolamprologus compressiceps, is a substrate-spawning cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it lives among rocky rubble. Its colour pattern varies with locality, and many forms are traded under their own names, such as 'Burundi red fin' and 'black cheek'. Populations should be kept apart and labelled with their collection locality to avoid hybridisation. A smaller, shell-dwelling fish traded as A. sp. compressiceps 'shell' appears to be an undescribed species.

Cryptoheros myrnae is a Central American cichlid from the Atlantic slope of Costa Rica and Panama. It was collected from a river with clear, shallow, swiftly flowing water over sand. Moderately aggressive, especially when breeding, it spawns in caves and breeds quite easily. Males are larger and more brightly coloured, and a spawning female turns black on her lower half with a large copper-coloured spot.

The three spot cichlid or trimac, Amphilophus trimaculatus, is a large cichlid from western Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador. It lives mainly in sluggish waters of the Pacific coastal plains, among roots, branches and vegetation over mud and sand. A fairly aggressive fish that grows to around 40 cm, it is believed to be one of the species used to create the flowerhorn hybrid, and both parents guard the eggs and fry. It is still often sold as Cichlasoma trimaculatum.

Andinoacara sp. 'Orinoco' is an apparently undescribed cichlid from unspecified localities in the Río Orinoco basin, presumably in Venezuela. It was traded as 'Aequidens' sp. 'Orinoco' and, following Musilová et al. (2009), appears to be a member of Andinoacara. Relatively peaceful for a cichlid of its size, it is a biparental substrate spawner and relatively simple to breed.

Apistogramma agassizii is a dwarf cichlid found through much of the Amazon/Solimões basin, from the Río Ucayali in Peru to the Capim River in Brazil. Colour and pattern vary considerably with locality, and numerous ornamental forms have been selectively bred for the trade. It inhabits slower-moving tributaries and creeks where leaf litter collects. Captive-raised fish suit the community aquarium, while wild fish are best kept alone or with small dither fishes.

The Inca dwarf cichlid, Apistogramma baenschi, is from tributaries of the lower Río Huallaga in the Amazonian portion of northern Peru. Coded A188 under the DATZ system, it is produced on a commercial basis and is perhaps among the most suitable Apistogramma for those new to dwarf cichlids. Wild fish come from shallow forest tributaries with very soft, tea-stained water and a pH measured between 4.1 and 6.3.

Barlow's dwarf cichlid, Apistogramma barlowi, may be endemic to the Ampiyacu River system, an affluent of the Amazon in northeastern Peru. Adult males have a disproportionately large head with enormous jaws and hypertrophied lips. It is one of only two Apistogramma known to be facultative, biparental, larviphorous mouthbrooders, and apparently favours cool, flowing forest streams (igarapés).

Apistogramma brevis is a dwarf cichlid from the Rio Uaupés basin in far northwestern Brazil and the Rio Tiquié in southern Colombia. It has also been recorded in the upper Rio Negro and Rio Orinoco, and inhabits slow-moving blackwater streams where the pH can drop as low as 4.0 or 5.0. Coded A168, it is the type species of the A. brevis group, and breeding is not too difficult if very soft, acidic water can be provided.

The cockatoo cichlid, Apistogramma cacatuoides, is a small cichlid from the upper Amazon basin, from the Ucayali in Peru to the Solimões in Brazil. It lives in slow tributaries, backwaters and creeks where leaf litter collects. Numerous line-bred forms such as 'double red' and 'orange flash' are traded, and captive-raised fish suit a community aquarium, while wild fish are best kept alone or with small dither fishes.

The ash lipped apisto, Apistogramma cinilabra, is a cichlid from shallow blackwater backwaters between Iquitos and Nauta in Loreto, Peru. Males carry the namesake ash-grey lips, red pectoral bases and red spots on the chest, and the body is disproportionately high. The description suggests it may be threatened in its native range, though not enough data exist to confirm this, and the emphasis should be on forming a captive population.

The Corumbá dwarf cichlid, Apistogramma commbrae, is widespread in the Paraguay River watershed of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay. One of the smallest members of the genus, it is told apart with the rest of the A. commbrae complex by a conspicuous double caudal peduncle spot. Its habitats cool seasonally to as low as 16 °C, and it should be kept cooler over winter.

Apistogramma elizabethae is a dwarf cichlid from the rio Uaupés and adjacent rio Içana, both tributaries of the upper rio Negro in Brazil. Coded A208, it is among the more sought-after Apistogramma in the hobby. Içana fish tend to have more blue on the head than those from the Uaupés, a reddish population is traded as A. elizabethae 'super red', and none of the forms should be mixed in aquaria.

Apistogramma eremnopyge (A218) is a dwarf cichlid known only from Loreto region in northeastern Peru, in the Itaya, Nanay and Tapiche drainages. Traded under names including A. sp. 'strawberry', 'red beard' and 'diamante', it has a dark blotch low on the caudal peduncle in both sexes. Pairs can apparently be kept only when other pairs are visible in adjacent tanks, so a group of several males with more females is preferable.

The blackline apisto, Apistogramma gibbiceps, is a dwarf cichlid from the Rio Branco and middle Rio Negro basins in Brazil. It is identified by a row of short dark marks low on the flank below the lateral band, which show most clearly on a settled fish. Meinken's type series held three species, and A. roraimae from the Rio Branco has been treated as a synonym since 2003.

Apistogramma macmasteri is a dwarf cichlid known only from the Río Guaytiquía and Río Metica basins in the upper Río Meta system, Colombia. Coded A120 under the DATZ system, it has a similar-looking, possibly conspecific population referred to as A122, and A121 is the ornamental 'red' form. Captive-raised fish are the recommended choice for the community aquarium.

Known in the trade as the 'panda dwarf cichlid', Apistogramma nijsseni is from tributaries of the Río Ucayali in Loreto Region, northern Peru. Coded A180 under the DATZ system, it inhabits slow-moving blackwater streams and creeks where the pH can drop as low as 4.0 or 5.0 and the substrate is littered with branches and a deep layer of rotting leaves.

Apistogramma norberti is a dwarf cichlid from the Río Tahuayo and Río Tamshiyacu, minor Amazon tributaries south of Iquitos in northeastern Peru. Known before its description as A. sp. 'großmaul' or 'bigmouth', and coded A190, its position within the genus is unresolved and it is only tentatively placed in the A. cacatuoides group. It lives in minor jungle streams whose volume changes significantly with the season.

Apistogramma panduro is a dwarf cichlid from the Río Ucayali drainage and the Río Tahuayo in Loreto Region, northern Peru. Also known as the blue panda cichlid and by the trade name A. sp. 'pandurini', it is told apart from similar species by a lower jaw that extends beyond the upper. It can be quite aggressive towards conspecifics, though pairs often remain monogamous once formed.

The pantaloon cichlid, Apistogramma pantalone, is a small cichlid probably endemic to the Nanay river system in northern Peru. It lives in shallow, hyper-acidic forest streams, and unlike many congeners does not fare well if water parameters deviate far from nature. A facultative mouthbrooder, it has been traded as A. sp. 'Lyretail 1' and is very similar to the closely related A. martini.

Apistogramma paulmuelleri (A52) is a dwarf cichlid apparently endemic to Loreto, Peru, described from a forest stream near the Iquitos to Nauta road. It has been traded as A. sp. 'Apache', a name also applied to other, non-conspecific Apistogramma. Since 2009 parts of the type locality stream have been degraded by removal of riparian vegetation.

Apistogramma sp. 'breitbinden' is an undescribed dwarf cichlid from the upper Rio Negro in Brazil, the Venezuelan Orinoco and the Inirida in Colombia. The German name means 'broad-banded' and refers to the uniformly broad suborbital stripe of males. Known in the hobby for several decades, it is often imported as bycatch among shipments of wild-collected A. iniridae, and some populations carry the DATZ codes A164, A165 and A167.

Apistogramma sp. 'Kelleri' is an undescribed dwarf cichlid known only from minor jungle tributaries near Leticia, Amazonas department, Colombia. First collected in 2008, it was exported again in 2009 and 2010 as A. sp. 'Jutai' and A. sp. 'diamond face', with a Brazilian collection site the exporter later corrected to Leticia. It has also appeared on trade lists as A. sp. 'Leticia', and belongs to the A. barlowi complex.

Steindachner's apisto, Apistogramma steindachneri, is a dwarf cichlid from the Essequibo, Demerara and other river systems of Guyana and Suriname. It lives in slower-moving tributaries and streams with leaf litter and submerged wood. The form from the Demerara drainage carries the DATZ code A138, and a very similar fish from the Cuyuni basin in eastern Venezuela (A139) may or may not be conspecific.

The three-striped apisto, Apistogramma trifasciata, is a dwarf cichlid from the Guaporé, Paraguay and middle Paraná basins. Found in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, it lives in sluggish creeks, tributaries and smaller rivers where leaf litter collects. A narrow third stripe from the pectoral-fin insertion to the anal fin helps separate it from congeners. The DATZ code is A204, with possibly conspecific forms from Argentina and the rio Guaporé coded A205 and A206.

The red edge apisto, Apistogramma viejita, is a dwarf cichlid from the upper Meta basin, part of the Orinoco system in Colombia. Many forms of A. macmasteri enter the trade incorrectly labelled viejita. Male A. viejita have a dark top edge to the dorsal fin and A. macmasteri does not. It inhabits shallow, slow-moving shoreline water with abundant riparian and emergent vegetation, often in savannah country.

Aristochromis christyi is a predatory cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, found throughout the lake but most commonly in intermediate zones. Growing to 300 mm SL, it is not particularly common in the lake or the hobby. Its beak-like mouthparts are adapted for hunting small fish in crevices between rocks, and it also ambushes prey, sometimes rolling onto its side as it approaches then taking it with a fast sideways motion.

The oscar, Astronotus ocellatus, is a large cichlid widely distributed in the Amazon region, recorded from Colombia and Venezuela south to Argentina. It grows to 350 mm SL and typically lives 10 to 20 years, both of which need taking into account before purchase. Most fish on sale come from commercial breeders in Eastern Europe or the Far East, in numerous ornamental strains, and genetic analyses suggest the genus contains additional, morphologically cryptic species.

The new yellow regal peacock, Aulonocara baenschi, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, known from five sites along the lake's western shoreline. It inhabits intermediate zones where rocky shores give way to sand with scattered rocks, usually at 4 to 6 metres. Also sold as the 'yellow regal cichlid', 'Baensch's peacock', 'sunshine peacock' and 'Nkhomo-Benga peacock', it is most easily told from similar congeners by its steeper, more curved snout.

The northern aulonocara, Aulonocara ethelwynnae, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, known only from Chitande Island and the nearby northwest shore. Quite rarely seen in the hobby, it is most easily distinguished by the chocolate-brown striping of mature males. In intermediate zones, females and immature males form loose schools at around 3 metres while mature males hold territories deeper, at 6 to 7 metres.

The red shoulder peacock, Aulonocara hansbaenschi, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, known from four localities on its southeastern shore. Some authors regard it as a geographical variant of the highly variable A. stuartgranti. It is also sold as the 'firebird cichlid' and 'red peacock'. At Masinje it shows a distinct preference for rocky caves and crevices in 3 to 6 metres of water, where most of the genus forage over sand.

The Malawi butterfly, Aulonocara jacobfreibergi, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, living where rocky shores give way to sand. One of the larger members of the genus, with males reaching 150 to 170 mm, it was among the first Aulonocara species in the hobby and is also sold as 'Freiberg's peacock' and 'fairy cichlid'. Males react aggressively to fish with a similar colour pattern, so tankmates need choosing with care.

The sulphurhead peacock, Aulonocara maylandi, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, where it occurs in two principal colour forms. Males from West Reef and Eccles Reef, in the southeast of the lake, carry a bright yellow band from the snout along the back and dorsal-fin margin. At Kande Island, off the central-western shore, the stripe is whitish and both sexes have an enlarged lower pharyngeal bone. That population was described as A. maylandi kandeensis, a name still widely used in the hobby.

The sunshine peacock, Aulonocara sp. 'stuartgranti maleri', is a cichlid endemic to the south-west of Lake Malawi around the Maleri Islands. Whether it represents an undescribed species remains unclear, and the vernacular name is confusing because it is based on that of a described taxon: it is often called A. stuartgranti 'Maleri', and the Maleri Islands fish are traded as 'yellow regal peacock'. It resembles A. baenschi but has a straighter head and snout profile and relatively smaller eyes.

The blue-faced peacock, Aulonocara sp. 'walteri', is a cichlid known only from Chizumulu Island and Likoma Island in Lake Malawi. The confusing trade name has led to it often being referred to incorrectly as 'Aulonocara walteri'. It inhabits the intermediate zones where rocky shores give way to sand, and males hold territories in caves. Males act aggressively towards any fish with a similar colour pattern, and other Aulonocara are best avoided as most can hybridise.

Grant's peacock, Aulonocara stuartgranti, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, widely distributed along both the east and west coastlines. Males vary in colour by locality, with blue forms found mostly in the north of the lake and yellow in the south, and many populations are traded under their own names. That variation has caused taxonomic problems: A. baenschi, A. korneliae and A. hueseri were all once considered forms of it. It inhabits the intermediate zones where rocky shores give way to sand.

Benthochromis tricoti is a deep-water cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it lives in open water and feeds on zooplankton. The species is seldom seen in the hobby as it is difficult to collect and ship, and the similar B. horii, described in 2008, had been confused with it and traded under its name. It needs a long tank with the upper two thirds left clear for swimming, and calm tankmates.

The cupid cichlid, Biotodoma cupido, is a geophagine cichlid from much of the Amazon basin, north to the Essequibo in Guyana and south to Bolivia. Also traded as the 'green-streaked eartheater', it varies in colour pattern and shape by locality, and most traded fish come from around Santarém in Pará state. Unless breeding it is surprisingly peaceful. Its relatively compact body and a dark flank blotch above the upper lateral line separate it from B. wavrini.

The Orinoco eartheater, Biotodoma wavrini, is a geophagine cichlid from the Orinoco and rio Negro basins of Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil. One natural habitat is the Río Cinaruco, a low-nutrient blackwater tributary of the Orinoco. It can be told from B. cupido by its noticeably elongate body and a dark flank blotch on or below the upper lateral line. Unless breeding it is surprisingly peaceful, and trade populations include 'Cuao', 'Orinoco', 'San Antonio' and 'Sipapo Ventuari'.

Biotoecus opercularis is a small geophagine cichlid from the middle Amazon basin in Brazil, including the lower Madeira, Tapajós and Negro. It favours shallow, slow-flowing water over sand with leaf litter and submerged wood, often stained with tannins. Several populations are traded, among them B. sp. 'rio Negro' from the rio Jauaperi and B. sp. 'Santarém' or 'Tapajós', though no scientific evidence shows them to be more than one species. It should not be mixed with other Biotoecus species or populations.

The slender tail hap, Buccochromis lepturus, is a large cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, also known as the green lepturus. Adults live in deeper water throughout the lake, though juveniles can be seen in quite shallow water around the shorelines. Its pelagic nature makes it difficult to catch for export, so it is rarely seen for sale. It grows to 400 mm SL, and small fish will end up on the menu.

The stripeback hap, Buccochromis nototaenia, is a predatory cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. It hunts juveniles of other species over sandy substrates just off the shoreline, often driving them into shallower water. It is rarely seen in the trade because it retreats at great speed into deeper water at the first sign of threat, which makes it hard to collect.

The big-eyed mouthbrooder, Callochromis macrops, is a sand-sifting cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, found in the southern part of the lake. It lives over shallow sandy bottoms near rocks, taking in mouthfuls of sand and sifting out invertebrates through the gills. Several geographical colour forms exist and should not be kept together, as they hybridise freely. Males are particularly belligerent towards one another in captivity, so a small tank suits one male with several females.

Chalinochromis sp. 'ndobhoi' is an undescribed cichlid from a limited stretch of Lake Tanganyika's eastern shore in Tanzania. Also traded as C. sp. 'ndoboi' or 'ndobnoi', it is told apart from C. brichardi and C. popelini by two or three series of irregular dark blotches along the body. It lives among rocky structures, males become highly territorial as they mature, and it should never be mixed with other Chalinochromis because they will hybridise.

Chindongo demasoni is a dwarf mbuna endemic to Lake Malawi, where it occurs around Pombo Rocks off the Tanzanian coast. It hugs rock surfaces more than most mbuna and is often seen swimming on its side or upside down as it explores caves and crevices. One of the most aggressive and territorial mbuna, it will attack fish several times its own size and is not recommended for the beginner. It is still often sold as Pseudotropheus demasoni.

The elongate mbuna, Chindongo elongatus, is a slender cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, found in Mbamba Bay and Nkata Bay. Over 30 different forms occur in the lake and they hybridise freely, so they should not be mixed in the aquarium. In nature females defend territories containing 'gardens' of algae. One of the most aggressive and territorial mbuna, it is not recommended for the beginner.

Chindongo flavus is a mbuna endemic to Lake Malawi, recorded only at Chinyankwazi Island and Chinyamwezi Reef. Not especially aggressive for a mbuna, it suits the general mbuna community, but it should not be kept with any member of the C. elongatus complex: the species interbreed and their males clash heavily. Males are far more colourful than females.

The powder blue cichlid, Chindongo socolofi, is a mbuna endemic to Lake Malawi, found along the Mozambique coast between Cobue and Tumbi Point. It is still often sold as Pseudotropheus socolofi. Also known as 'Eduard's mbuna' and 'Pindani', it is one of the most popular Rift Lake cichlids and somewhat peaceful for a mbuna. Both sexes share the same powder blue colouration, which makes it hard to sex. Most fish on sale are tank-bred, and an albino form exists in aquaria.

Chromidotilapia guntheri is a mouthbrooding cichlid from coastal drainages of western Africa between Liberia and Cameroon, plus the Niger and Benue. It occurs in a number of geographic forms, with fish from Cameroon tending to show dark blotches on the dorsal fin. A benthophagous omnivore, it sifts mouthfuls of substrate for food, and the male broods the eggs while the female defends the surrounding territory.

The keyhole cichlid, Cleithracara maronii, is a small cichlid from French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, the Orinoco delta in Venezuela and Trinidad. It is told apart from relatives by the keyhole-shaped marking on each side of the body, and is one of few fishes whose generic name derives from its aquarium common name. It inhabits slow-moving blackwater streams, is naturally shy and sensitive to deteriorating water quality, and most fish on sale are commercially farmed.

Congochromis dimidiatus is a small cichlid of the central Congo basin in the Republic of the Congo and DR Congo, described from Bangui on the Ubangi. Most older aquarium literature knows it as Nanochromis dimidiatus. Its dark flank stripe runs into the caudal fin, which separates it from C. sabinae. Many museum records were identified before the genus was split, so some may belong to other species.

Congochromis sabinae is a small cichlid from rainforest streams in the Republic of the Congo, northeast Gabon and northern DR Congo. It was in the hobby before its description under names such as Nanochromis sp. 'Bamanja', 'Genema' and 'Bloody Mary', and continues to be mislabelled N. squamiceps. The dark midlateral stripe stops short of the caudal fin. At the type locality the water was stained reddish brown, with a pH of 4.0.

Copadichromis azureus is an Utaka cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, found in the southern part of the lake around the Maleri and Mbenji Islands. It shoals in open water around rocky shores and reefs at 20-30 metres. Dozens of colour forms exist, usually sold with the collection locality attached, and it is sometimes seen under the invalid name Haplochromis chrysonotus, which causes confusion with C. chrysonotus. Peaceful even by Copadichromis standards, it should not be kept with Mbuna.

Copadichromis borleyi is an Utaka cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, where it shoals over rocky areas and isolated boulders at 5-20 metres. One of the species most commonly encountered in the hobby, it is available in several colour morphs, often divided into yellow and red finned forms and sold with the collection locality attached, such as 'Kadango'. It is also sold under invalid names such as Haplochromis 'red Kadango'. Other Copadichromis should be left out, as they can hybridise.

Copadichromis chrysonotus is an Utaka cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, collected between Karonga and Monkey Bay in deep, open water. Among Copadichromis it is the best-known open-water spawner. It is not seen often in the hobby, and most fish imported under the name turn out to be C. azureus sold as 'Haplochromis chrysonotus'. Males are paler on the dorsal surface than the uniformly blue C. azureus, while the females are virtually indistinguishable.

Copadichromis ilesi is an Utaka cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, collected at Gome, Nkata Bay and Monkey Bay around rocky shores and reefs. Described in 1999, it was previously sold as Copadichromis 'virginalis kajose' and is a close relative of C. virginalis, with which it shoals at Gome Rock. Its females are sandy brown, and males grow larger than C. virginalis and lack the red stripe in the dorsal fin.

Copadichromis virginalis is an Utaka cichlid endemic to the northern end of Lake Malawi, shoaling in open water around rocky shores and reefs. Numerous colour forms exist and are usually sold with the collection locality attached, such as 'Gold Nkanda'. It shoals alongside the similar C. ilesi at some locations, but males have a red stripe along the dorsal fin and the females are silver. Peaceful even by Copadichromis standards, it should not be combined with Mbuna.

Crenicara latruncularium is a South American cichlid from the Rio Guaporé in western Brazil and the Rio Mamoré in Bolivia. Fairly peaceful unless a pair is breeding, it can be kept with tetras, rasboras, small catfish and other small peaceful fish. Spawning takes place in a cave, and the female guards it and will drive away any fish that come near, including the male.

Cryptoheros nanoluteus is a small Central American cichlid endemic to the Guarumo river basin in northwestern Panama. Sometimes called the 'yellow convict', it lives in well-oxygenated, moderate to fast-flowing lowland streams. It is not as aggressive as some others in the genus, though territorial when breeding. A substrate-spawner forming temporary pair bonds, both sexes turn bright yellow during courtship.

The dogtooth cichlid, Cynotilapia afra, is a Mbuna endemic to Lake Malawi, found around the rocky shoreline. It is easily confused with some Pseudotropheus but has unicuspid teeth, and its black flank bars continue into the dorsal fin. The many colour forms should not be mixed, as they interbreed. Belligerent and very aggressive towards its own species, it is one of the hardier Mbuna and a good choice for the newcomer to these fish.

The sardine cichlid, Cyprichromis leptosoma, is a peaceful open-water cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. In nature it congregates in shoals of several thousand, feeding on zooplankton, and it occurs in several geographical morphs, each in blue and yellow-tailed forms. Fish sold as C. leptosoma sp. 'Jumbo' grow larger than the 'true' leptosoma and are likely a different species, and none of these forms should be housed together because they can hybridise.

The smallscale Cyprichromis, Cyprichromis microlepidotus, is an open-water cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, mostly at the northern end of the lake. Quite a rarity in the hobby, it lives in huge mixed groups with other Cyprichromis species and the similar Paracyprichromis. Several geographical variants exist, each with a yellow and a blue-tailed form, and they should never be mixed in the aquarium because they will interbreed.

The Malawi blue dolphin, Cyrtocara moorii, is a large, peaceful cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, found mainly over shallow sandy areas. Formerly named Haplochromis moorii, it shoals in nature and follows substrate-sifting species such as Fossorochromis rostratus to feed on morsels stirred up from the sand. Males reach at least 25 cm, and it should not be kept with boisterous species such as mbuna.

The redspot cichlid, Darienheros calobrensis, is a large cichlid native to coastal rivers draining Panama's Pacific slope. It lives mostly in lakes, ponds and slow parts of rivers, swimming among the crevices of submerged rocky walls and banks. It has been placed in Cichlasoma and Amphilophus, and is occasionally listed under Astatheros. A belligerent, territorial species, it can share a tank with other large cichlids only in a very large aquarium.

The lyretail checkerboard cichlid, Dicrossus filamentosus, is a cichlid from the Rio Orinoco in Colombia and Venezuela and the Brazilian Rio Negro. Formerly placed in Crenicara, it shares Dicrossus with D. maculatus, which looks similar but lacks the lyretailed caudal fin. Shy by nature, it needs a well-planted, dimly lit tank with plenty of hiding places, and very soft, acidic water to breed.

The spadetailed checkerboard cichlid, Dicrossus maculatus, is a cichlid from the Rio Tapajós, Rio Maués and nearby areas of the Brazilian Amazon. Not commonly available in the trade, it is sometimes mistaken for D. filamentosus. A challenge to breed, it needs extremely acidic, very soft water for the eggs to hatch, and a brooding female herds her fry around the tank with signals from her ventral fins.

The Malawi eye-biter, Dimidiochromis compressiceps, is a predatory cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, where it is widely distributed. An ambush predator, it hides head-down among Vallisneria beds, its laterally compressed body and dark stripe from snout to tail helping to conceal it. Despite its name it mainly hunts small fish, and eye-eating happens infrequently in nature and rarely, if ever, in aquaria with well-fed specimens.

Descamp's strange-tooth cichlid, Ectodus descampsii, is a shy cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, between Moliro and Utinta Bay. It inhabits open water over sand and is gregarious, so a group of at least eight is recommended. An undescribed fish, Ectodus sp. 'north', is sometimes imported under this name and has a smaller adult size and a black dorsal spot towards the front of the fin (in the middle in E. descampsii).

The striped goby cichlid, Eretmodus cyanostictus, is one of the goby cichlids endemic to Lake Tanganyika, living in the surge zone of rocky shores. It scrapes algae from the rocks with specialised teeth and has a swim bladder rendered useless to reduce buoyancy. Delicate in aquaria, it needs the highest water quality, a higher pH than many Tanganyikans and a specialised diet, and is not recommended for beginners.

The Canara pearlspot cichlid, Etroplus canarensis, appears to be endemic to the Kumaradhara-Netravati river system in southern Karnataka, India. Also known as the banded chromide or 'roman numeral' cichlid, it lives only in oxygen-rich fresh water, unlike its euryhaline relatives. Unmanaged collection raised concerns over its status, and commercial breeding in Southeast Asia has since reduced the pressure on wild stocks. Sexual maturity takes around 24 months.

Fossorochromis rostratus is a large, sand-sifting cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, most common over shallow sandy substrates. When startled it may bury itself, and a sand substrate is essential since gravel may injure it. A very fast, active swimmer, it needs open water and should not be kept with boisterous species such as mbuna. Shoals of Cyrtocara moorii follow feeding groups in the wild to take the morsels they stir up.

Geophagus abalios is a cichlid from black and clear water tributaries of the río Orinoco in Venezuela, across the Llanos and south to the Casiquiare. One of the more commonly-traded members of the genus, it is rarely sold under the correct name and usually misidentified as G. altifrons or G. surinamensis. Juveniles are available cheaply because it is one of the few Geophagus bred commercially. Vertically split anterior flank bars separate it from the very similar G. brokopondo.

Geophagus altifrons is a large cichlid from the middle-to-lower Amazon basin in Brazil, including the Xingu, Tapajós, Madeira, Negro and Purus. Despite being the type species it is among the most frequently-misidentified members of the genus, partly because populations from the Orinoco, the Guianas and the Tocantins are now species in their own right. In adults the dark midlateral marking is reduced to 1-2 scales or absent, a feature unique to the species, but juveniles are very difficult to identify.

Geophagus argyrostictus is a cichlid known only from the rio Xingu system in Brazil, including its major tributary the rio Iriri. It belongs to the five species outside the G. surinamensis group, all with a complete infraorbital stripe, and fish over 70 to 80 mm SL develop silvery reflective scales on the anterior flanks. Markedly more aggressive than most congeners, it is a substrate-spawner and does best in a group of 5-8.

Geophagus brachybranchus is a cichlid from the Nickerie and Courantyne drainages of Suriname, also reported from Guyana and Venezuela. Generally rare in the aquarium hobby, it appears to be one of the commoner species in Australia, where it is often called the 'black-throated eartheater'. The largest wild specimen recorded measured 138 mm, but it is known to reach 180 to 200 mm in captivity.

The pearl cichlid, Geophagus brasiliensis, comes from Atlantic-draining river systems of eastern and southern Brazil and Uruguay. It belongs to the 'G.' brasiliensis group, which still needs definitive classification. Colour and body shape vary with locality, and some coastal lagoon populations have evolved a degree of salt tolerance. Fish sold as Gymnogeophagus australis in Europe are more often this species, and non-native populations exist in several countries.

Geophagus brokopondo is a cichlid endemic to the Suriname River drainage in Suriname, first known only from the Brokopondo Reservoir. It is very rarely traded, since collection of fishes for commercial purposes is not common in Suriname. Six solid vertical bars on each flank, the last covering the whole caudal peduncle, separate it from the very similar G. abalios.

The Oiapoque eartheater, Geophagus camopiensis, is a cichlid from the Oyapock basin on the Brazil and French Guiana border and the Approuague. Poorly known in the hobby, it is occasionally available through specialist breeders and retailers. A low E1 scale count and usually seven anal-fin rays are shared only with G. parnaibae, which may indicate a close relationship. A larger lateral marking and light caudal-fin spots separate the two.

The Panamanian eartheater, Geophagus crassilabris, is a cichlid endemic to the Pacific and Atlantic slopes of central and eastern Panama. Rarely traded, it belongs to the 'G.' steindachneri group with 'G.' steindachneri and 'G.' pellegrini, and adults have a more reddish colour pattern than either, especially in the fins. Adult males are aggressive towards one another, and a single male is best kept with two or more females.

Geophagus dicrozoster is a cichlid from tributaries of the río Orinoco in Venezuela, extending to the Casiquiare and the headwaters of the Negro. Commonly traded but rarely under the correct name, it is usually sold as G. altifrons or G. surinamensis, and it is one of the few Geophagus bred commercially. Seven flank bars, the fourth and fifth meeting in a 'Y', and a relatively elongate profile identify it. It appears restricted to acidic blackwater.

Geophagus iporangensis is a cichlid known only from the rio Ribeira de Iguapé basin, on the border of São Paulo and Paraná states in southern Brazil. A member of the 'G.' brasiliensis group, it reaches 90 to 100 mm, a more manageable size than some related species. Juveniles are readily confused with others in the group, but adults are smaller with comparatively few reflective blue scales. It is not common in the aquarium hobby.

Geophagus megasema is a cichlid from the upper rio Madeira basin, recorded from the Mamoré and Guaporé drainages in Bolivia and Brazil. Very rare in the aquarium hobby, it has been collected, bred and distributed by some private collectors. It has no dark preopercular or infraorbital markings, no bars on the flanks and a relatively large, roundish midlateral marking.