New species: Apistogramma paulmuelleri sp. n.

[Tom C]

The species formerly known as Apistogramma sp. "Masken" has been scientifically described, as
Apistogramma paulmuelleri sp. n .

 

[apistodave]

Here is the description

 

[apistodave]

While I'm at it--here is another one

 

[raymond82]

Very nice! What does the suffix "sp. n." mean?

 

[apistodave]

sp is an abbreviation for species

 

[raymond82]

But then what does the "n." stand for, new? I don't remember seeing that suffix before when new species are described.

 

[Tom C]

Yes, you're right.
Sp. n. = latin: Species nova = New species.

 

[Mike Wise]

Thanks Tom, Dave. I see Uwe is being very careful with which populations he includes in the new species. He excludes some of the Apache, Carapintada (in part), & Peru-Regani forms from the species. Definitely nothing wrong with that. It's better than 'lumping' several species together (think A. cruzi sensu lato) and then having to sort them out later.

Technically 'sp. n.' is the abbreviation for 'species novum' which, as Tom states means 'new species'. The new rules for describing a new species by the ICBN now requires any new species to be labeled as a new species in the original description. In the past, too many names were used informally, but used by others as valid names. Mic(k)rogeophagus is a prime example. Fry (1957) used Microgeophagus and Meulengracht-Madsen (1968) used Mikrogeophagus for Orinoco Rams in aquarium publications, but seemingly not intending them to be formal descriptions. Based on old rules, however, their descriptions could (and were!) used to name the cichlid genus. It also led to all kinds of controversies. If the new rules were in place at that time, neither description could be used as a formal description - and Papiliochromis Kullander 1977 would be the name we would now use for the Rams.

 

[raymond82]

Thanks for clarifying that, Dave, Tom and Mike! Interesting to read the story about the history of the name of the Rams too!!

I hadn't noticed the sp. n. before in scientific descriptions but it's not like with undescribed species where you have to use sp. (like A. sp. Wilhelmi) but I can refer to the fish as A. paulmuelleri.

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

but I can refer to the fish as A. paulmuelleri.

I think the answer to that is yes.

cheers Darrel

 

[Mike Wise]

Unless your fish come from the type localities, I think Uwe would take exception. If in doubt, call them A. cf. paulmuelleri with the common name under which they were sold. Me? A. paulmuelleri is OK with me (for whatever that's worth).

 

[raymond82]

I'll settle for A. paulmuelleri, I don't think I've seen it offered but it's a very nice fish. If I would ever go look for it at least I know what to call it now!

 

[raymond82]

I'll settle for A. paulmuelleri, I don't think I've seen it offered but it's a very nice fish. If I would ever go look for it at least I know what to call it now! Although most likely it will take a while for the name to land, I also see A. allpahuayo offered as A. sp. Black Chin quite often.

 

[Mike Wise]

... I also see A. allpahuayo offered as A. sp. Black Chin quite often.

and "A. juruensis/juruense". Old names never die, sadly.