of rules which regulate the naming of species,
the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Both
the genus and the species part of the scientific name are generally
based on Latin or Greek words, which makes them appear rather
bizarre at times. Ideally the scientific name tells something
about the species it represents: Acanthurus xanthopterus
means, roughly, “spiny-tail yellow-fin,” and indeed
this fish has sharp blades on its tail and yellow pectoral fins.
Not all names are so descriptive however. Some scientific
names indicate the place where the species was first discovered
(Pomachromis
guamensis was first collected
on Guam); some names commemorate an individual who has contributed
significantly to our knowledge of fishes (Centropyge
shepardi was named after John Shepard
of Guam).
Each species account
includes the scientific name, the English common name (when one
exists), the Chamorro name (when one exists), and occasionally
common names from other languages (Hawaiian, Tagalog, or Japanese)
if these are used frequently on Guam. The maximum length
of each species is also indicated in terms of standard length
(SL), total length (TL), or fork length (FL). The meanings
of these terms as well as the definitions of other anatomical
terms are shown in Figure 2.
Measurements are given in the metric system as this is the
system of measurement used by scientists. Photographic data
are given on the same line as the maximum length data. All
photographs were taken by Robert F. Myers unless otherwise noted.
The size of the fish photographed and its location and depth
are indicated. Fishes photographed in aquaria are so indicated.
When known, food habits and other ecological and behavioral information
are given. Species of particular fishery importance on Guam
are so indicated.
It is hoped that this
book will be both interesting and useful. Future volumes
in this series are being planned to cover other animal and plant
groups living in Guam’s marine environment.
