need correct name

[bob major]

does anyone know the correct genus name of a dwarf central american cichlid i purchased as cichlisoma cutteri ? the males are 2 " & females are 1.5". this is a new fish to the hobby . i believe the species name is correct but the genus nane is not. has anyone kept this fish?[/b]

[Randall]

Dear Bob,

You have yourself an incredibly beautiful but, from a nomemclature perspective, controversial fish.

Described in 1932 as Cichlasoma cutteri, depending on who's paper you read, this name is generally considered a junior synonym of Archocentrus spilurus. The nomen "cutteri" is used for this fish in the trade to this day. Another "cutteri" cichlid's status is questionable. Papaloteca Archocentrus may be a geographical variant of A. spilurus or an undescribed species. If you think your fish is "new," then this is probably the fish you have.

Rusty Wessel et al. collected this later fish in northern Honduras from 1991-1996. Most of these fish in the hobby today are descendents of Rusty's original stock. Please contact me privately for Rusty's email address, if you like. He may be able to give you more information.

Randall Kohn