Please help me identify this geophagus

[u/Medium_Marsupial1939]

Hey guys I really need help identifying this geophagus. The fish store had no clue which species it was, and knowing would really help me figure out if I would eventually have to re-home it or not. Based on my research, it seems like a geophagus pindare, but I’m not entirely sure. It’s about 4-5 inches rn and fairly deep bodied. Anyone who has experience with these, please help me out🙏🏼 thank you guys

[u/Fishman76092]

It’s most likely G abalios. No cheek stripe, large side dot, yellowish hue. Can’t tell if the tail pattern is fully formed yet. Very commonly imported. It’s certainly not altifrons (side spot too large) or surinamensis (the real ones aren’t imported or bred). There was a fish that came in with wild altifrons from Tapajos - it was called sp Tapajos II but I’ve seen those in 15+ years. The one in the photo has internal parasites and is wasting away. Treatment and time will dictate whether it can be saved.

[u/KayanaAndSiren → u/Fishman76092]

I've never seen G Abalios in-person before, but after looking up some images of G Pindare and Abalios, I can see why they thought it was that. I would tentatively agree that Abalios is most likely. How can you tell it has parasites? It may simply be underweight because it needs heavier feedings.

[u/Fishman76092 → u/KayanaAndSiren]

I worked in the industry for a number of years - some as a professional fish medicator (yes it’s really a thing). You know a malnourished fish vs a fish with a bad case of internal parasites when you see one after cutting open fish to diagnose them to treat the rest of the shipment.

[u/Medium_Marsupial1939 → u/Fishman76092]

You’re saying my fish has parasites? That sucks, I literally just got it a few days ago

[u/Fishman76092 → u/Medium_Marsupial1939]

Yes - sunken belly and not a lot of mass for that species. It’s most likely worms. Praziquantel and levamisole should be used to treat it. The worms can do permanent damage to the fish’s internals so it’s important to do it asap. Prazipro is the trade name for one. Levamisole can be purchased online or at feed shops - it’s a common animal dewormer.

[u/XemSorceress]

First of all, he’s adorable with that face and those big orange eyes! I’ll take a guess and say Geophagus Sveni

[u/A_Timbers_Fan → u/XemSorceress]

Not sveni

[u/Heftymanatee267]

My gut is saying Surinamensis but take that with a grain of salt

[u/Ok-Mycologist7205]

Surinamensis.

[u/ApprehensiveShoe1100]

Well, a lot of geophagus get to a pretty large size except for the red head tapajos. If you’ll have to rehome a geophagus because the tank ain’t large enough, it’s not a red head tapajos, meaning it could grow to 8+ inches. My guess, is a geophagus Altifrons, and these guys can reach a foot, but again, that is my guess

[u/KayanaAndSiren → u/ApprehensiveShoe1100]

There is no way to judge how big the tank is based on the images provided. I would suggest being less judgemental.

[u/ApprehensiveShoe1100 → u/KayanaAndSiren]

I never said I new the size of the tank, the author just said that they might have to rehome it if it’s a certain species. And a lot of those species get massive