cichlid id

[tetrin]

i am looking for differences between a copadichromis azureus and a Aulonocara sp. "stuartgranti mbenji". i looked up some pictures but can't make out a definitive feature that separates them.
i bought one and unfortunately, can't id it. i'll try to post a pic by tomorrow. (my photographer is unavailable today, and would kill me if i touched his nikon...jk).
TIA

 

[Fishyfanatic]

Aulonocara spec. "Stuartgranti Mbenji"
http://www.malawimayhem.com/profile_show.php?id=49

Copadichromis azureus:
http://www.malawimayhem.com/profile_show.php?id=55

 

[tetrin]

thanks fishy, but to tell you the truth, i have seen these pictures and many others that make them look almost the same.

http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/haps/aulonocara_stuartgranti.html
this looks like the azureus in the 2nd link.

the only physical difference i've found till now is the black spots on the azureus that are possibly absent in the aulies.

 

[Menagerie]

My favorite site for fish descriptions: http://www.mongabay.com/fish/cichlids.htm

Also keep in mind that juvies do not always look like their parents. In addition, if the fish is stressed, or just not feeling it's oats, the coloring will be off. Most pics are of the "cream of the crop." Good Luck with the ID!

 

[tetrin]

nope, looked there too... ...

 

[Menagerie]

I was editing while you posted, does the second line of what I said help?

 

[tetrin]

oops...
you are right, the fish was darker when i last left it. also the scales are slightly scuffed as it was in a mbuna tank when i bought it.
its really driving me mad (did i say i was of the impatient sort)...