Sp. is short for species, as opposed to var. (variety) a species is a larger grouping than a variety. Species may inter-breed, but will almost always produce mules (infertile) whereas varieties of the same sp. may interbreed and produce viable offspring. If we're interested in conservation (and this is why I got into the hobby), we should avoid either possibility. Unfortunately our understanding of what differentiateds sp. and var. has got to the stage where it is difficult to tell the two apart. My advice is, when possible to try to keep only the same var. together and to avoid keeping similar but different fish in the same tank. This way we can try to avoid hybrids (crisses between vars.). If anyone is interested in this subject I would say that "Almost Like a Whale" is essential reading. I don't have the author's name (I'm at work) but it only lacks the most recent info. about the completion of the genome project. Apart from that it's VERY up to date VERY readable and VERY complete. HIGHLY recommended. I have no connection with author, publisher etc. but think that good, well written scientific books are rare and should be recommended whenever you discover them. C:-)lin ----- Mensaje Original ----- De: JerrCarol@aol.com Fecha: Martes, Abril 10, 2001 3:01 am Asunto: sp. > I saw a message you wrote to someone else on the list. You said > cacatuoides > was a good first apisto to start with. I was kinda glad to hear > that. I'm the > newbie with the messy tank. Do you think just putting the pair I > have in a 10 > with a couple flower pots would be an okay idea. By the way the > guy I got > them from said their double red cacatuoides but, the pics I've > seen they look > more like agazzii. Oh yeah one more thing when I see Sp after the > name of an > apisto what does that refer too? > > > > > > ___________________________________________________________________ Consigue tu e-mail gratuito TERRA.ES Haz clic en http://www.terra.es/correo/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the apistogramma mailing list, apisto@listbox.com. For instructions on how to subscribe or unsubscribe or get help, email apisto-request@listbox.com. Search http://www.digital.com for "Apistogramma Mailing List Archives"!