Cichlid ID Help

[AquaStudent]

I could use some help with some Cichlid Species Identifications. There are a few that have been added to my tank from the 'miscellaneous African cichlid' tanks at the pet store. I left my tank in control of my dad while I was at school (it was a bit difficult to bring back and fourth to New York) and he added quite a few new ones to the tank...some that I can't identify and could use your help.

Please let me know if you need any additional information/photos and I will do my best to oblige. Thanks

Also, Cichlids 1-5 are available for sale at the May meeting on Saturday. Let me know if any of you would be interested.

Unknown Cichlid #1 - I have narrowed it down to some sort of hap but I don't know much about haps

Unknown Cichlid 2 - (2 photos)
a

b

Unknown Cichlid #3 - Looks similar to #2 but has different tail spots

Unknown Cichlid #4 - Looks to me like the patterns of a Johanni but definitely has different colors. Are the females brown with the same pattern?

Unknown Cichlid #5 - I have no idea about this guy but he's pretty and looks like he's made of gold. Perhaps a peacock of some type?

Unknown Cichlid #6 - My personal favorite I just wish I knew what he was!

 

[dlfn1]

the miscellaneous cichlid tanks at petco/petsmart usually contain hybrid species, which i'm guessing is what you have.
though i defer to the more experienced cichlidophiles here.

 

[DiscusnAfricans]

(1)Likely hybrid. Appears to be Aristochromis Christi mixed with Nimbochromis Fusco or something similar
(2)Unknown Zebra or rusty. Tough to tell from color, but very likely hybrid considering source.
(3)Unknown zebra, again likely hybrid.
(4)Melanochromis auratus Male
(5)Nimbochromis venustus, though head and body shape indicate possible hybrid
(6)unknown, likely hybrid, appears to be mbuna, possibly textilis or exasperatus

 

[Tony]

(1)Likely hybrid. Appears to be Aristochromis Christi mixed with Nimbochromis Fusco or something similar
(2)Unknown Zebra or rusty. Tough to tell from color, but very likely hybrid considering source.
(3)Unknown zebra, again likely hybrid.
(4)Melanochromis auratus Male
(5)Nimbochromis venustus, though head and body shape indicate possible hybrid
(6)unknown, likely hybrid, appears to be mbuna, possibly textilis or exasperatus

+1.

 

[AquaStudent]

(1)Likely hybrid. Appears to be Aristochromis Christi mixed with Nimbochromis Fusco or something similar
(2)Unknown Zebra or rusty. Tough to tell from color, but very likely hybrid considering source.
(3)Unknown zebra, again likely hybrid.
(4)Melanochromis auratus Male
(5)Nimbochromis venustus, though head and body shape indicate possible hybrid
(6)unknown, likely hybrid, appears to be mbuna, possibly textilis or exasperatus

Thanks. I definitely agree with your ID on #4. One of the more common fish in the hobby...I can't believe I couldn't find a picture of one before :/

For #1 I looked up pictures of the species you suggested. Other than body shape they don't look the same. The fish I have is a deep brown with lighter brown patches. Is there a hap that can have these colors? I do agree that it's probably a mutt.

#3 and #4 look to me to be the same species (or mutt cross). Are the spots on the anal fin egg spots? Is it possible to conclude that they are male and female of the same cross or more likely a male and another subordinate male?

 

[DiscusnAfricans]

Thanks. I definitely agree with your ID on #4. One of the more common fish in the hobby...I can't believe I couldn't find a picture of one before :/

For #1 I looked up pictures of the species you suggested. Other than body shape they don't look the same. The fish I have is a deep brown with lighter brown patches. Is there a hap that can have these colors? I do agree that it's probably a mutt.

#3 and #4 look to me to be the same species (or mutt cross). Are the spots on the anal fin egg spots? Is it possible to conclude that they are male and female of the same cross or more likely a male and another subordinate male?

#1 - base fish: Nimbochromis Livingstonii, Nimbochromis Fuscotaeniatus, or Tyrannochromis Nigriventor. I mentioned A. christi because they are one of the only fish that have a pronounced "crook" on the nose, which is apparent on the fish. Only other explanation would be a deformity, but its likely a feature of this fish from a cross.

#3 and #4 probably same lineage, probable same mutts, but no surefire way to tell. Yes the spots on the anal fin are egg spots. They both have a large number of spots which would indicate 2 males, but its not guaranteed. One of them doesn't have the pointed fins, but those develop with age.

All of these conclusions are best guesses, which is all anyone can really do. No issues with lineage though if they're not intended for breeding.

 

[verbal]

(5)Nimbochromis venustus, though head and body shape indicate possible hybrid

The body shape almost looks like a Copadichromis.

 

[AquaStudent]

#1 - base fish: Nimbochromis Livingstonii, Nimbochromis Fuscotaeniatus, or Tyrannochromis Nigriventor. I mentioned A. christi because they are one of the only fish that have a pronounced "crook" on the nose, which is apparent on the fish. Only other explanation would be a deformity, but its likely a feature of this fish from a cross.

#3 and #4 probably same lineage, probable same mutts, but no surefire way to tell. Yes the spots on the anal fin are egg spots. They both have a large number of spots which would indicate 2 males, but its not guaranteed. One of them doesn't have the pointed fins, but those develop with age.

All of these conclusions are best guesses, which is all anyone can really do. No issues with lineage though if they're not intended for breeding.

All I can ask for is your best guess I appreciate the help you have provided.
I can definitely see the Livingstonii. It's hard to tell anything else. There is that long nose with the protrusion like you were talking about. There really is no surefire way of telling :/


I was wrong. It definitely looks like a Nimbochromis venustus. I looked up some more images and that's definitely what it is. Here's one from google images.

 

[AquaStudent]

Are the Textilis and exasperatus different names for the same species?

and also known by Melanochromis joanjohnsonae

This is so confusing. It looks like photos of these fish match my fish. Some websites have one of the names but not the others. I also found one saying that they are the same thing. The scientific names and classifications of cichlids are really messed up lol

Current IDs
#1 - Nimbochromis Livingstonii, Nimbochromis Fuscotaeniatus, or Tyrannochromis Nigriventor x A. christi
#2 - Zebra Hybrid (Male)
#3 - Zebra Hybrid (Likely Male)
#4 - Melanochromis auratus (Male)
#5 - Nimbochromis venustus
#6 - Melanochromis joanjohnsonae

(Bold indicates some confidence in a specific species...not necessarily possible for the hybrids)

Let me know if anyone is interested in any of these fish (except for #6 ). I am willing to bring them to the meeting tomorrow for the auction or trade/exchange. I know because they are likely hybrids most people will be hesitant but they really are gorgeous fish.

 

[DiscusnAfricans]

Are the Textilis and exasperatus different names for the same species?

and also known by Melanochromis joanjohnsonae

This is so confusing. It looks like photos of these fish match my fish. Some websites have one of the names but not the others. I also found one saying that they are the same thing. The scientific names and classifications of cichlids are really messed up lol

Taxonomy is always going to be a confusing issue because it is somewhat subjective. I believe they may be the same, but not sure.

There are many species of still that are being reclassified, or have yet to be properly classified. So it will probably be a continual work in progress.

Zebras can be considered Pseudotropheus, Metriaclima, and Maylandia. No one is considered to be "right" yet.

 

[AquaStudent]

Taxonomy is always going to be a confusing issue because it is somewhat subjective. I believe they may be the same, but not sure.

There are many species of still that are being reclassified, or have yet to be properly classified. So it will probably be a continual work in progress.

Zebras can be considered Pseudotropheus, Metriaclima, and Maylandia. No one is considered to be "right" yet.

And that's why I'll stick to physics...although the 'Particle Zoo' isn't too much better...

 

[AfricanCichlid]

#3 is a kenyi


Sent from my iPod touch using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[verbal]

I was wrong. It definitely looks like a Nimbochromis venustus. I looked up some more images and that's definitely what it is. Here's one from google images.

The body shape of your fish is wrong for a pure Nimbochromis venustus, it is deeper and rounded. Some might be explained if it lived in cramped growing conditions, but the difference is too dramatic for me to think it isn't a hybrid.

 

[DiscusnAfricans]

#3 is a kenyi


Sent from my iPod touch using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

No its not.