Re: Opals and Red and Black apisto

[Mike & Diane Wise <apistowise@bewellnet.com>]

Daryl,

The original A. borellii (Opal) strain was produced in the former East Germany
(called Opalita) using highly colored "super" specimens. I wouldn't call them a
rarity, but the original pure Opal strains that produce mostly Opal offspring are
becoming rare. They are still around and available in the the US. A few wild
caught Opal specimens can be picked out of any shipment of wild imports. I am
sure that wild Opals produce off colored forms - since we probably don't have
inbred "super" specimens. When these wild "super" males (or females) are bred
with inbred Opals you just have to expect some odd combinations.

Your Red & Black Apisto is not a normal commercial or common name. It sounds like
a name made up just to make them seem different. They could be anything. 90% of
all apistos have red and black markings, so this fish could be anything.

Mike Wise



Daryl Hudson wrote:

> I was wondering if anyone on the list knows whether or not this fish is hard
> to find in the US?  About six months ago, my LFS had a few.  I went back to
> purchase them, and they had sold all but one pair (the best looking ones
> they had).  They wouldn't sell me the final pair, said they were for display
> only!  They haven't been able to get in any more.  I've seen yellow borellii
> a few times, but not the opals again.
>
> Is their rarity caused from the 'opal' not being a set color form?  Seems
> from some of the posts I've read on the Krib, some folks spawned borellii
> and got both yellow and opal fry.
>
> Another question, while I'm posting.  Does anyone know which species goes by
> the common name "Red and Black" Apistogramma?  I know common names can be
> sketchy, so give it a try if you'd like.  I saw some labeled as such on a
> website, unfortunately, no pictures.
>
> Thanks for any help you can give.
>
> Daryl
>
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