Sri Lankans name new fish genus after atheist Dawkins

[rug]

(AFP) – 9 hours ago

COLOMBO — Sri Lankan scientists have identified a new genus of fresh water fish and named it after the evolutionary biologist and renowned atheist Richard Dawkins.

Lead researcher Rohan Pethiyagoda, 56, said the new genus, named Dawkinsia, comprises nine species that are found only in South Asia and are characterised by long filaments that trail from the dorsal fins of males.

The fish has previously been classified under the genus Puntius, comprising around 120 species of small tropical fish known as barbs.

Pethiyagoda, an ichthyologist and internationally acclaimed conservationist, said extensive studies in India and Sri Lanka showed that the level of diversity among such fish was "much greater than previously suspected".

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hEvNbHt8O7e3jB5HlC2uwNrSQvpQ?docId=CNG.2417bf61f21b75ec00dacc78e05295ae.341



Dawkinsia Singhala. Cute little devil. It would make a nice car magnet.

[cbayer]

1. Last week a small crustacean parasite which feeds on fish in the Caribbean was named Gnathia marleyi

after reggae musician Bob Marley.

I did not know that scientists could name newly discovered animals anything they want.

Anyway, congratulations Mr. Dawkins. It is quite an honor to have a life form named after you.

[rug]

2. They should name a bird species after him.

[cbayer]

3. Agree. Much more a bird than a crustacean parasite.

[trotsky]

4. Parasites are some of the most complex, amazing lifeforms on the planet.

Consider Captain Higgins, for instance.

[LeftishBrit]

5. Nice fish!

I would guess that they named a new genus after Dawkins because of his work as an evolutionarly biologist, rather than because he's an atheist.

[cbayer]

6. Yes, I think that is the case.

[dimbear]

7. Beautiful gesture provided those fish do not ride bicycles. n/t