What does SP. mean? For example Cichla SP. "asdfasd"

[JESTERX626]

topic

 

[koliveira]

species

 

[davo]

in that case, cichla is the genus and then the specific species would be asdfasd. I need one of them for my tank

 

[JESTERX626]

Wait so if for example it says Cichla SP. "3 black spot". The species is called 3 black spot? I doubt that's the species name..? Or is it just a name because it's not recognized or known as a specie yet?

 

[dovii88]

usually it means species undefined...

 

[Sunpoe]

Wait so if for example it says Cichla SP. "3 black spot". The species is called 3 black spot? I doubt that's the species name..? Or is it just a name because it's not recognized or known as a specie yet?

You got it. The SP stands for species for sort and then a brief description.

Eg
Canis lupus would be the species name

where as

Canis SP "hairy tail" would be something from the Canis genra but the species is not recognized.

 

[davo]

yup, when it is undescribed by science then yes thats the format it takes. Can be a common name like hypancistrus sp. Zebra or from where the fish is found. Just a way of specifically identifying a species that isn't described by science

 

[JESTERX626]

alrighty. thanks