2 new amphilophus species described

[Gruff Master]

Nothing new here except more names. 12 species or more now, in the Amphilophus Citrnellus complex and some figure it will go well over 30 names. No telling where or when this silliness in naming will ever end.

If it were a land animal, rather then an ornamental fish, the whole complex (RD, midas and all the rest of these fish) would probably get one name, and that's it . Maybe they would describe a few sub-species, at th most. Funny how the ichthyologist use subspecies for a fish important in aquaculture, such as Oreochromis niloticus, but when it comes to ornamental tropical varities, they are more then reluctant to classify them as subspecies. But the more strains that are given full species status, the more ways you can sell what is for the most part, the same darn fish.

I understand what you're saying but for scientisit to make these claims of new species, wouldn't they have to back it up with hard evidence? I think more of the the species in this complex will probably come up again just as you said. Hopefully they will vary more in appearance.

 

[fishbum]

Very cool. I'd like to go to the resort and catch my own midas.

 

[dogofwar]

For someone to put forth a "new" species is just one step in the process. Whether others accept it is another thing.

Remember that taxonomic description of species is a man made concept. There is a lot of variability in Amphilophus. One scientist could pull in a seine and describe a dozen species. Another could describe one. The (academic and market) incentives to describe "new" species, however, favor the former...

Matt

I understand what you're saying but for scientisit to make these claims of new species, wouldn't they have to back it up with hard evidence? I think more of the the species in this complex will probably come up again just as you said. Hopefully they will vary more in appearance.

 

[Gruff Master]

^^ Good point. In any case I always look forward to the introduction of "New" species.

 

[jpmroane]

Cichlid Room used to be my favorite fish-related site on the web. It was my go-to resource for quality articles and their picture gallery was mesmerizing. But I never really go there anymore since the fee was introduced. It is a real shame.

 

[CBC]

cool

 

[dogofwar]

Such high quality resources can't survive without a little funding.... not very much money for a good cause in my book...

Matt

Cichlid Room used to be my favorite fish-related site on the web. It was my go-to resource for quality articles and their picture gallery was mesmerizing. But I never really go there anymore since the fee was introduced. It is a real shame.