Why the stupid Latin names?
The real question should be “Why are all fish not given their proper names?” With the true species names, the fish are recognized by hobbyists world wide. With local “colorful names” based on some attribute or sometimes nothing at all, a uniform identification is near impossible. For many killies it is taken a step further and within a species the location of collection, year of collection and a collection code sometimes made from initials of the collectors is used. Why be so specific? A “local variety” of a species may actually be a new and different species. Also, just as dogs are sold as “purebreds” so are killies where possible. You do not just ask to buy a dog; you identify which variety you are after. From a good breeder, you get assurance that the dog you bought will “breed true” to its variety. Annual versus Non annual killies A significant division is made between those that live in permanent bodies of water and those that live in temporary bodies of water and thus live a shor
