Similar to the fact that there are several red-backed angelfish populations, there are also several red or yellow-spotted wild forms. The ancestors of Pterophyllum sp. “Guyana Red Dragon” came from the Essequibo River in Guyana. Number and intensity of dots vary individually in each fish, but all specimens we currently received (they are now 5-7 cm long and just sexually ripe) are very nicely and intensely spotted. They are German offspring.
The coloration of the red spots of the Pterophyllum sp. “Guyana Red Dragon” changes with the incidence of light. Sometimes they look more orange, sometimes black-red, sometimes cherry-red. Exactly the same phenomenon is known from the red dotted Green Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus). And just like discus, red-spotted and un-spotted specimens occur together in nature. These are not special local variations, nor are they sex differences or even species differences. However, as the magnificent Pterophyllum sp. “Guyana Red Dragon”, which we are currently able to offer, show abundantly clear: this characteristic is hereditary and can be increased in its expression from generation to generation in the hands of experienced breeders.
For our customers: the animals have code 699793 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
