Home Species Pages Scientific Papers Articles Photos Dichotomous Key Store About the GSG Links/Sponsors	Gymnogeophagus Dichotomous Key This dichotomous key, created by Roberto E. Reis and Luiz R. Malabarba, can be used to identify a majority of the species within this genus. To view an illustrated version, Click Here 1. a) Scales in horizontal scale row 22-25 ... 2 b) Scales in horizontal scale row 26-28 ... 4 2. a) Bright blue stripes along flanks conspicuous; conspicuous pattern of dots or small stripes on unpaired fins ... 3 b) Bright blue stripes along flanks hardly visible; colour pattern of unpaired fins faint, without conspicuous dots or stripes ... G. setequedas 3. a) Dorsal and anal fins with well-defined circular dots ... G. meridionalis b) Dorsal and anal fins with small stripes ... G. rhabdotus 4. a) Dorsal fin with 12-15 soft rays; caudal fin almost completely scaled, with lateral line branch on the lower lobe ... G. balzanii b) Dorsal fin with 8-12 branched rays; caudal fin width scales only on the proximal third or half, without lateral line branch on the lower lobe ... 5 5. a) Dark band extends posteroventrally from the dorsal fin origin; well-defined circular dots on dorsal, anal and especially caudal fins ... 6 b) Dark band from nape to cheek crossing the eye instead of the band described above; dorsal and especially caudal fins with rather small stripes ... 7 6. a) Dorsal profile of body anterior to dorsal fin origin very steep; soft dorsal fin scaly; caudal peduncle depth 0.9 in its length ... G. australis b) Dorsal profile of body anterior to dorsal fin origin not as steep; soft dorsal fin rarely scaled; caudal peduncle depth 1.0-1.4 in its length ... G. gymnogenys 7. a) Lips thick, extremely well developed, lower lip deeply notched medially ... G. labiatus b)Lips normal, not excessively developed or notched ... G. lacustris Note: This dichotomous key does not include the most recently described species, G. tiraparae. Reference: Roberto E. Reis and Luiz R. Malabarba (1988): Revision of the neotropical cichlid genus Gymnogeophagus Ribeiro, 1918, with descriptions of two new species (Pisces, Perciformes); Revista Brasileira de Zoologia; pg 259-305.	Latest GSG News:Jan. 11, 2011 - The GSG now has a page on Facebook. Press 'like' below! Jan. 11, 2011 - Want to recieve our newsletter? Email me: Mack@gymnogeophagus.com