Quote Originally Posted by cali View Post
Anybody in need of, or know an individual in need of a topic for their biology dissertation? (hey- possible paper-publication here...)

Pacman's seem to be a great candidate for reclassification (original Genus was described in 1824).

Ceratophrys Cranwelli (Genus/specie) by definition would only be able to breed with (and have viable young) other Ceratophrys Cranwelli (and sub-species of).
If, as I understand it, a "samurai blue" is a cross between Ceratophrys Cranwelli and Ceratophrys Ornata, then they should be grouped as sub-species in a new species category (Ornwelli ?)- whereas Ceratophrys Cornuta- wich is unable to produce viable offspring when crossed with another variant (resulting in "fantasys") would be correctly placed in it's current taxonomical position.

I always found this topic intriguing when I bred Lichanura Trivirgata and Labeotropheus Trewavasae/Fuelleborni.
Technically, it's always "species", both singular and plural, like "sheep" or "moose".

Also, the definition of "species" doesn't necessarily hinge on total incompatability. Generally speaking, species do not interbreed, but there are numerous exceptions, including species which do interbreed to form "hybrid zones" in certain areas. If they are isolated, this can be through numerous mechanisms, including incompatibilities that don't show up in captivity, such as slightly different breeding seasons, as well as infertile hybrids or even just hybrids that aren't as capable of survival in the wild as the parents.

An extreme example is actually a side-project I have with one of more genetics-oriented evolution faculty here, involving cross-genus hybrids (Lampropeltis getula californiae X Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta) which not only do just fine in captivity, but are fertile as well. The two lineages have been separated for ~18 million years, yet still form fertile hybrids.