As is well known, the royal farlowellas (Sturisoma and Sturisomatichthys) were reclassified in 2019, resulting in a number of regroupings. Several species previously classified as Sturisoma now belong to the genus Sturisomatichthys. According to Londoño-Burbano & Reis, 2019, externally recognizable differences between the two genera are the irregular, numerous central ventral plates that are not arranged in defined series in Sturisomatichthys (as opposed to three clearly arranged series of developed central ventral plates in Sturisoma); the possession of dark spots on one or all dorsal, pectoral, pelvic or anal fins in Sturisomatichthys (as opposed to lack of spots in the fins in Sturisoma); and 13-18 plates on the median row of plates in Sturisomatichthys (as opposed to 20-21 plates on the median row in Sturisoma).
We have now received yellowish-white Sturisomatichthys offspring from Thailand. They were sent under the name “S. panamensis Albino”. The genus affiliation is undisputed. However, the species affiliation cannot be determined beyond doubt due to a lack of markings. As far as we know, S. panamensis is relatively rare in the hobby, as no commercial ornamental fish are exported from Panama. Wild-colored S. panamensis can be distinguished from the very frequently offered species S. aureum from Colombia by the coloration of the pectoral and pelvic fins, which are strongly banded in P. aureum and not in P. panamensis. The ventral plate markings of the two species also differ. Our whites from Thailand correspond most closely to S. aureum in this respect. We therefore assume that this is a breeding form of S. aureum, not of S. panamensis.
Incidentally, Sturisomatichthys whites are not albinos in the usual sense of the word, but rather lutinos, as the eyes of Sturisomatichthys whites are black, not red. But in our opinion, this makes them even more attractive. In any case, we are sure that these strikingly (un)colored royal farlowellas will find their fans.
For our customers: the Sturisomatichthys whites have code 294532 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Literature:
Londoño-Burbano, A. & R. E. Reis (2019): A taxonomic revision of Sturisomatichthys Isbrücker and Nijssen, 1979 (Loricariidae: Loricariinae), with descriptions of three new species. Copeia v. 107 (no. 4): 764-806
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
