This essay (PDF only) is an introduction to zoological nomenclature illustrated with names from the world of fishes (but which apply to non-fish taxa as well). Topics covered:

• how names are formed
• how names are proposed or made “available”
• why some names (synonyms) are set aside or not used at all
• why a name that’s in use today may be replaced by a different name tomorrow
• the 8 ways an ichthyologist can name a fish
  • descriptive — names that refer to a physical characteristic (shape, color, anatomy, etc.)
  • biological — names that refer to an aspect of biology (diet, habitat, breeding behavior, etc.)
  • systematic — names that refer to taxonomy, classification or phylogenetic relationships
  • anthropocentric — names that refer to a fish’s importance to humans
    
  • commemorative — names that honor people, cultures, ships, institutions, and more
    
  • toponymic — names that refer to places (e.g., country, river, town) or geographic areas
    
  • vernacular — names derived from historical, local or indigenous vernaculars
    
  • nonsensical — coined or borrowed names with little or no significance
    

In addition, the essay includes two mini-essays on specialized topics:

• Names so offensive, they were pulled from publication
• What happens when a zoologist proposes an eponym but spells the name wrong?