Just one more example of why we're waiting for Mike to write his DC book... In a message dated 03/16/2001 10:46:17 AM Eastern Standard Time, apistowise@bewellnet.com writes: << Scott, Good for you, a true observer! Yes, A. Papagei, along with A. sp. Pebas, and a couple of other unnamed forms from Peru, all show a "caudal patch" made out of the caudal spot and a dark part of Bar 7. It is similar to that seen in the commbrae-complex species (A. commbrae, A. inconspicua, A. linkei, & some intermediates) from the Rio Guaporé/Paraguay systems. The former group, called the Pebas-complex (in the regani-group) can be separated from the commbrae-complex (also in the regani-group) by certain dark markings most easily seen in brooding females. The females of the Pebas-complex show very few spots (only 2 - 4) along the lateral band while in brood dress. Females of the commbrae-complex show 6 - 7 lateral spots. Pebas-complex forms all exhibit a series of dorsal spot similar to eunotus-complex & macmasteri-group species. The same dorsal spots on commbrae-complex species generally have very indistinct borders and usually form a poorly formed band of sooty gray along the back. The Pebas-complex species are (so far) much more colorful and slightly larger forms than those of the commbrae-complex. The commbrae-complex occurs in the Guaporé & Paraguay drainages of Bolivia, Brazil, & Paraguay. The Pebas-complex is found in the Amazonas drainage of northeastern Peru. The commbrae-complex is most closely related to the resticulosa-complex while the Pebas-complex shows relationships to the regani- & cruzi-complexes. Mike Wise >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the apistogramma mailing list, apisto@listbox.com. For instructions on how to subscribe or unsubscribe or get help, email apisto-request@listbox.com. Search http://www.digital.com for "Apistogramma Mailing List Archives"!