Re: [RML] Definition of species.

Richard Cheong (kien at progsoc.uts.edu.au)
Mon, 28 Apr 1997 10:01:24 +1000 (EST)

Lets get this issue straight... I am NOT cross breeding any
Rainbowfish (Never have been). But without a clear definition of what a
species really is, how can we define what Hybrid is ? The reason why I am
asking this is that I keep M.Eachamsis. There is a debate going on as to
whether M.Eachemsis is really a species (according to DNA finding).

Begin Opinion <opinion>
If I can remember from high school, a species is any creature
that can reproduce FERTILE offspring. Where as a hybrid is a creature
that is infertile. So if a M.Trifaciata from Giddy River crosses with
another M.Trifaciata from say...Utchee Creek, the offspring will be
fertile. I have never cross any rainbow before nor do I have the
intention to do so.
End Opinion. </opinion>

So do angfa/serious Bow aquarists regard crossing of the SAME species but
from different creeks/rivers in the same catagory as hybrid ?

****Different subject****
PS: Adult Stripes Gudgeon DO live in the estuaries..Saw a few 10cm to
12cm in length, 2 nights ago while collecting gambusia for my Murray Cod.
*************************

Richard Kien Cheong
kien at progsoc.uts.edu.au
http://www.progsoc.uts.edu.au/~kien/angfa
"Who will save your soul if you won't save you own ?" Jewel