Gravid Homaloptera smithi?

[Thomas]

could this be a gravid female of H. smithi? Could it be that the red markings in the paired fins is a sexual dimorphism? I've three of them with this markings and one (the fat one) without.





to compare here is a pic from side of a male


I will try to take a photo of the markings, but the males(?) are a little bit more shy than the female(?)

I have seen the gravid H. smithi female in the species-index and I think it's a bit similar.

Bye,
Thomas

[Jim Powers]

Here is a poor quality pic of the largest smithi I have ever had (or seen). Its a 3" (7.5cm) fish that I always assumed was female due to the plump body shape. The other specimen I have is nearly the same length, but slender. Both have red on the fins. I have no idea if this fish, or the one of mine pictured in the species index, are gravid or just fat. It would be nice to know for sure. Unfortunately, like many hillstreams, info on this species in the wild is lacking.

[piggy4]

Nice pics chaps !

[Thomas]

Both have red on the fins.

It's a pity. Thanks Jim.

At the time I have a 100cm tank free (my barbatula are in overwintering) and will take the fat one and at least one of the thinner smithi in it. And I will put bowls with different substrates in it.

It is worth trying.

[Jim Powers]

I hope you get some spawning. I have often wondered it this species could be spawned in captivity. Keep us posted!!

[Thomas]

Hi,

A new autumn, the same fish:


Looks like eggs, she is got very plump in the last weeks

Thomas

[Jim Powers]

That's great!!
You may get some fry yet!

[Thomas]

that would be nice, Jim

I have seen that I've at least two females with eggs