Please help ID pseudo

[memphisfish]

I was ordered a splendid pseudochromis online, the fish that was sent looks nothing like the pictures I have seen of a SP. Was I sent the dreaded Pseudochromis steenei? I need to know b/c he is currently mugging my six line warse and when he is done with him who knows who will be next. Thanks

 

[Amphiprion]

I would have to guess a color variant of Pseudochromis dilectus (Sri Lankan dottyback).

 

[memphisfish]

OK, but the store owner insists that he sent a splendid pseudochromis and it will change with time. Do you have or know where I can get pics of young SP to compare to. It is improtant because the store is a sponcer on this site and this will be the third incident invlolving a single shipment. I like to give people the benifit of the doubt, but I am loosing faith. Thanks for the prompt responce.

 

[Amphiprion]

I have seen very small individuals of Pseudochromis spelendens that still displayed the colors of the adult phase. From what I have seen, it really doesn't change that much. Do a google image search on the species, as it yields many pics of smaller individuals.

 

[Amphiprion]

OK, I knew I could find a juvenile pic here somewhere. Here is a 2.2 cm Pseudochromis splendens--note how very little it diverges from adult coloration.

Pseudochromis splendens

 

[Sports Girl]

Splendids will defend themselves against fish two or three times larger than themselves; they are definitely not cowards. From what I've read (I've been interested in getting one, also) the body can vary from white to yellow to light blue. The google image search is a great way to get comparative pics. Looks like some splendids I've seen; just slightly bluer (is that a word?).

 

[memphisfish]

I have attached a copy of the Pseudochromis dilectus and it looks exactly like my fish.So now we have determined that I was sent a fish amd the owner is trying to pull a fsat one, where do I go from here? Do you think the owner should eat the loss and refund my money or is it common when buying fish online and buyer beware. Again either way thanks for the info.

 

[Amphiprion]

That is a magnificent fish, but doesn't need to be in with peaceful fish. At any rate, I would at least try to get your money refunded. A good dealer should refund an incorrectly identified purchase. But, as you said, it was at your discretion: Caveat emptor.

 

[memphisfish]

The owner just e-mailed me stating he will refund the cost of the fish. Although, he still maintains it is a splendid pseudochromis. I of course told him if the fish stays in the tank and does metomorph into the splendid variety, I would repay the refunded amount. Thanks for the help again.