Re: Are Endlers a distinct species now?

Posted by Thriftyfisher on 2011/8/8 23:56:17

The problem that I have with description as a species is the part where he writes;

Its closest relative is the common guppy, P. reticulata, sharing identical meristic data, but differing by its enhanced metallic body pigmentation. This brightness in body pigmentation is also noticed in the females of P. wingei. Moreover, in the zone adjacent to the distribution area of the common guppy, P. wingei males exhibit a unique melanophore pattern, viz., a large band in the midsection of its body. The importance of this feature, i.e., the spatial distribution of melanophore patterns, is decisive for its recognition as a valid species.


That is the only difference and makes it a species? I know later on he talks about behavioral differences but that seems pretty week to use for justification that it is its own species. I would like to see the genetic differences between the two “species.”