El Castro (was Re: Why?)

[Wright Huntley <jwwiii at pacbell_net>]

Gary Smith wrote:
> I understand why we label our fish with location or collection codes or
> even colour strains, such as australe Port Gentil, australe BSWG 97/24
> or australe orange but why do we put the hobbyist name on a fish? The
> fish I'm referring to is rivulus cylindraceus "Al Castro". I know Al
> had successfully maintained this fish for a number of years but why is
> his name on it?
>
> Thanks for all the help! Gary
>

Al saw a badly over-retouched photo in a magazine, knew it wasn't possible 
for a *cylindraceous* to look like that. He took it as a challenge to 
select for that pattern of markings and color, and after several years he 
hit it fairly exactly. It *is* rather pretty, if a bit gaudy for a RIV.

We started calling it the "Al Castro" in recognition of what he had 
accomplished. I have heard that the phonics caused a change in Europe and 
it is sometimes known as "El Castro." :-) ["Al" would be pronounced as 
"all" in many European languages, so "El" actually is closer to the way we 
say it.] No idea if the Cuban connection is involved. ;-)

That's the way I heard it, anyway.

Wright


--
Wright Huntley -- 760 872-3995 -- Rt. 001 Box K36, Bishop CA 93514




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