These fish, as close as I can tell without yanking them out of the tank and
measuring them, are pushing 2 inches (5 cm). They (the males) have the typical
long and flowing second dorsals and anal fins of this variety of signifer.
Many of males also have the classic very long first dorsal. I would estimate
that it is 1 - 1.25 inches in length. It actually touches the back portion of
the second dorsal, so it really is long. However I have a few, that may be
smaller, where this first dorsal isn't near as long. It's hard to tell if
someone came along and ripped off part of it or whether they are just slower to
reaching their full glory. Their second dorsal and anal fins are almost as
long as the "long dorsaled" fish. Since it had been reported that their are
also "short-finned" varieties of signifers that also inhabit the same stretch
of water I was wondering if this dorsal fin is what we should be looking for OR
whether the "short-finned" variety really have smaller fins all around. It's a
real treat when these big guys stretch their fins in mock battles with each
other. I'd appreciate hearing comments from those that have seen both
varieties in this waterway. Now if I can just get them to hold that pose for a
few seconds!
Gary Lange
gwlange at STLNET.com
Rainbowfish Study Group of North America
http://home.stlnet.com/~gwlange/rainbowfish.index.html