The preferred name according to the American Livebearer Association is the
"Least killifish". This is also the name used in the Peterson field guide.
However, it is not really a killifish - at least in the way most people
think of killifish. Also, this might confuse it with the DWARF killifish,
which IS INDEED a killifish.The third name appended to this fish is "dwarf
topminnow", although here again it's not technically a minnow.
So, to answer your question, no, the Name Police are not going to break down
your door (and check the tag on your mattress in the process) if you start
calling a fish a name that you appended to it yourself. However, (a) just
because YOU call it that doesn't mean that someone else will, and (b) you're
likely to cause a bit of confusion if people confuse the fish with something
else or don't know what the heck you're talking about anyway.
PS - - Names also often impart marketability, among other things. How many
"red tailed sharks" would the pet shops sell if they were called "red
tailied minnows", a much more accurate name.And would the Snail Darter get
as much press if it were referred to by a long Greek/Latin name instead of
something cute?
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark <mbinkley_at_columbus.rr.com>
To: <nanfa_at_aquaria.net>
Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2001 10:02 AM
Subject: NANFA-- Common Names
> Is there any true authority for assigning common names? Can't I just pick
> a name I like and start using it?
>
>
> Mark
> Columbus Ohio USA <))><
> mbinkley_at_columbus.rr.com
>
>
>
>
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