Re: Tiger Stripe?

[Mike & Diane Wise <apistowise@fgn.net>]

Zack,

Here's what Ingo wrote to me:

"Gary´s Tigerstripe is most likely a form of the Winkelfleck [=Angle-spot]. I am
not sure, because I never saw this alive. It shows the body- and fin-shape, the
metallic sheen and the typical aggressive pattern of this species. The main
difference is that it has a less striped caudal fin and more red on the
gill-covers."

Since color - other than the pattern of dark markings on fish - is not typically
a factor in identification of apistos, the red gill covers are not sufficient in
themselves. The fewer numbers of caudal stripes may indicate a different
population or difference in age of two fish of the same form. We know that the
number of tail stripes on A. pertensis, for example, increase in number as they
age. But we also know that some pertensis-like forms have narrow rows of spots.
Are they the same species or not?

I wouldn't feel comfortable crossing these two forms. Let's face it, if we
finally discover that two forms are the same species it's fine to cross them.
But if we cross them and then discover that they are two different, but closely
related species, we cannot un-cross them. It is best to err on the side of
caution so that we don't lose some purebred species.


Zack Wilson wrote:

> That's interesting. I wonder what the justification is for separating them.
> Looking at the photos in Gary's TFH article, and then when I came across the
> photo on David's site of Angle Spot, I saw no significant difference that
> made me think I was looking at two different fish. That, and I've only seen
> that pattern on the two.
>
> I agree, the Apisto naming game is getting as bad as with killies. If it's
> not  a new species, it's a geographic variant or somesuch, and still needs
> to be kept distinct. Give me a break.
>
> Oh well, I'm going back to look at my species "Purty Fish".
>
> Zack
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 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.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.