Australian Museum tropical fish researcher names new species

September 23, 2023 4:00 AM

New neon-coloured tropical fish has just been scientifically described: Amanda's flasher wrasse
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries (8 comments total)

Come for the colorful fish, stay for the amazing mustache and the proud ichthyologist wearing a fish print top.
posted by rikschell at 4:42 AM on September 23, 2023 [6 favorites]

I know a couple of ichthyologists. One of them has a custom-made suit of medieval-style plate armor and owns and plays a hurdy gurdy.
posted by SoberHighland at 6:01 AM on September 23, 2023 [2 favorites]

I too enjoyed the link and then came here to comment on the man’s mustache, I’m glad that style is still alive in the world.
posted by Kikujiro's Summer at 6:33 AM on September 23, 2023

I'm in some groups with people who keep and breed species from a particular genus of South American catfish. Currently there are a couple of hundred species waiting to be formally described and named. I have three as yet unnamed species in the tank behind me. You basically have a system where one or two acknowledged experts issue new unidentified fish with a serial number, and then a few years later someone writes a paper and it gets its Latin name, often in honour of some other expert in the field, or just one of their kids.
posted by pipeski at 9:14 AM on September 23, 2023 [1 favorite]

clicked. said "oooooh" very pretty fishie!
posted by supermedusa at 10:41 AM on September 23, 2023

Everything about this is wonderful: the gorgeous fishie, the mustache, his name is Dr Tea!! 😍😍
posted by kitten kaboodle at 10:52 AM on September 23, 2023

Male flasher wrasses use intricate filaments to display

Tell me the Dr.'s mustache filaments are anything but this. Just you try.
posted by away for regrooving at 11:58 AM on September 23, 2023 [2 favorites]

I’m wondering if I’m supposed to read Amanda flasher wrasse like Moe does when Bart calls, looking for Amanda Hug-n-kiss? Because if so, I think the mustache is not the only thing being played.
posted by pulposus at 6:07 PM on September 23, 2023 [3 favorites]