I agree with most of the points in Matthew's carefully considered reply -
especialy the last one (" I'm sure we can think of some more" ) ---
If Doug gets enough replies he may have to open a web page to store it all
and make it accessible to everyone - especially if they keep finding new
species in PNG at the current rate.
Regards,
Bruce.
Bruce Hansen, ANGFA, caring for our aquatic ecosystems.
Please visit us at http://www.ozemail.com.au/~fisher/angfa.htm
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> From: Matthew Stanton <matthews at ironbark.forest.nsw.gov.au>
> To: rainbowfish at pcug.org.au
> Subject: Re: [RML] Naming Fish
> Date: Tuesday, 20 January 1998 2:38
>
> Here is a list of things that I think are important for a listing of
> common names -
> * the list should be derived from names in use, not from names
> invented to fill a gap in the list.
> * Names of species that are variable over their range should have a
> name that can easily have the locality of collection inserted into
> that name.
> * the list should include the currently recognised types to avoid
> problems being encountered, ie M. tri. from the Weipa area
> currently seem to have four different names that describe very
> similar fish and probably the same population.
> * where an appropriate name is in use that is derived from the
> scientific name, that name should be retained.
> * where a species has been named after a person, a different name is
> probably better unless the species in question has some features that
> remind a significant number of us of that person.
> * names used by local people for the fish may be appropriate if we
> can be certain that the fish only occurs in that locality.
> * names based solely on locality are not appropriate where we cannot
> be certain that the species only exists in that locality. for example
> we now have the ridiculous situation of the Lake Eacham Rainbow
> existing in a number of streams but not in Lake Eacham.
> * ANGFA is not just about rainbows and all Australian freshwater
> fish should be included. If a PNG/IJ list is to be attempted the same
> should apply there.
> * any list should have a wide and free distribution and could act as
> advertising for ANGFA products.
> * the list should have a brief description of the fish.
> * names already published in works such as those by Gerald
> Allen should be used where possible.
>
> I'm sure we can think of some more.