• Platypoecilus maculatus Günther 1866

Populations

• The Dump, Belize

Originally described by Günther in 1866 as Platypoecilus maculatus.
On first introduction to the hobby they were known as Moonfish. This referred to the moon shaped marking on the caudal peduncle.
The red form originally had a peppering of red spots on the body which has been bred out. Innes in Exotic Aquarium Fishes reports these early reds as becoming more intense red with age.'usually ending up with a mahogany red'. It was noted that the blood red form was not as hardy nor as long lived. At the time they were found to do better in slightly acid water.
This work was published originally in 1935 ( I have the 1952 edition ).