For North American fishes, the American Fisheries Society stabilizes the use of
common names. They've been doing this for around 50 years. Since many fishes can
have dozens of common names, mostly of a local flavor, the AFS usually selects
the one most commonly used, even if it is not technically accurate. So while
white perch are not perch, just about everyone calls them that. If you're to use
a common name in any formal capacity (e.g., a journal article, public aquarium
display), you best use the AFS-sanctioned name.
>Can't I just pick a name I like and start using it?a name I like and start
using it?
Sure. But few may know what you're talking about. If you're to use a common name
in any formal capacity (e.g., a journal article, public aquarium display), you
best use the AFS-sanctioned name.
Quiz time:
What's are the more common common names of the following North American fishes?
1) rotgut minnow
2) bottlefish
3) grayback minnow
4) stone toter
5) mud blower
Chris
/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
/"Unless stated otherwise, comments made on this list do not necessarily
/ reflect the beliefs or goals of the North American Native Fishes
/ Association"
/ This is the discussion list of the North American Native Fishes Association
/ nanfa_at_aquaria.net. To subscribe, unsubscribe, or get help, send the word
/ subscribe, unsubscribe, or help in the body (not subject) of an email to
/ nanfa-request_at_aquaria.net. For a digest version, send the command to
/ nanfa-digest-request_at_aquaria.net instead.
/ For more information about NANFA, visit our web page, http://www.nanfa.org