Unknown Leporacanthicus?

[yayfish24]

Just stumbled upon this incredible guy. Anyone have an idea of the species? I'm assuming leporacanthicus because of the "crest" on the head. Thanks guys.

[bekateen]

I think I've seen this photo before, maybe Facebook. Have you posted it elsewhere?

This looks like it's an unusual

Leporacanthicus heterodon

, or maybe an undescribed close relative. Would that be your guess too?

[yayfish24]

Heterodon is a possibility. I've just never seen one with such intense colors. This isn't my fish. I saw it on Facebook and it blew my mind. Its gorgeous. I'd love to have them.

[bekateen]

Yeah, I saw the same fish. It really is a stunning photo. If I recall correctly, there was some discussion on that same Facebook thread that this photo might be color-enhanced (not the black/yellow pattern, which itself is uncommon and amazing, but the color intensity). The comments seemed to suggest that if you look at other fish photos (e.g., pics of discus) from the same source, they seemed unnaturally brilliant. I have not seen those other photos, so I'm not in a position to comment.

What I like about this fish, where it really diverges from typical heterodon, is the combination of spots on the body (which is normal) and the reticulations on the face... Really interesting. I'm hoping to have in the future some heterodon (I don't have any yet), and this would be a wonderful fish to add to such a breeding group!

Cheers, Eric

[yayfish24]

I would love to have a group of heterodon. I have a few galaxias and triactus currently.

[yayfish24]

Looking at it more the front of the dorsal and tail remind me of the orange and black on the triactus.