<<The Running Ck fish are certainly the tribe closest in colour to the
Herbies. Pappin Ck is not far away in terms of km. but the two creeks
drain in different directions and are probably isolated, even during
'BIG wets'.
I would say that differences between RC tri's and Herbies could
be obvious with the two fish together, the later being more compact
and heavier bodied, but then again, we get back to population
variation and perception.>>
The problem with this sort of comparison is we need to form an average
mental picture of the colour form we are talking about but still bear in
mind the variation within that form. So we are talking about impressions
rather than absolutes. So when I give you my impressions of the features of
a particular local variety it will always tend to be one of these
"averages" as there are outstanding individuals in most of these samples
that we examine. I guess we all are doing this all the time too when we
reflect that "Herbies" seem to have changed - we are comparing the
"average" of the current crop with the "average" of yesteryear's.
My feeling is that the Pappin Creek (did you like the spelling Keith ;-))
has a more yellowish cast but mostly that will depend on mood, condition,
lighting etc whereas the Running Creek tends to have a more orange cast to
the body with more obvious red lines and the fin colour is more definitely
clear red.
I had a talk with Gunther Schmida tonight and asked him for comments on the
original Herbies that he saw and photographed. He was very definite - the
first thing was the body shape. They were thick and strong and muscular
with a large head and eye. The body was NOT wide and flat like a
trifasciata nor the head pointed. The fins were not bright red either -
more red-orange especially the outer half.
Bruce Hansen