Genus vs. Specie

[cali]

.....I always found this topic intriguing when I bred Lichanura Trivirgata and Labeotropheus Trewavasae/Fuelleborni.

Rock cichlids are a great example of the issues with the whole kingdom/phylum/etc etc. classification system.
A "species" can spend thousands of years genetically isolated from another group that's only 25 yards away- for the simple reason that the lake shore has a "gap" in rocky outcrops and no individual will cross said gap. And then there's a flood or drought or seismic activity that alters the terrain- and now these "species" are homogenized into 1 group.

Lake Malawi has recently had issues with water quality- sediment has clouded the water, making it difficult for some mbuna to differentiate "species" during mating. Does this mean that the crossbreeds/parents will now be labeled as a single species, since they naturally crossed, in the wild?

Lichanura trivirgata arizonae
Lichanura trivirgata gracia
Lichanura trivirgata saslowi
Lichanura trivirgata myriolepis
Lichanura trivirgata trivirgata

Some herpetologists believe that the rosy boa belongs in Charina with the Rubber Boa, instead of Lichanura. saslowi and myriolepis are considered redundant by most- but depending on where you look, they may be listed as viable subs.