Chromis brevirostris, whose specific epithet means “short nose”. Photo credit: Trimma.net.
The circumtropical genus Chromis is a ubiquitous icon of any coral reef, and can be found anywhere from sun speckled coral gardens to lung compressing depths in the mesophotic twilight zone. Despite their near abrasive presence both in the field and in the aquarium trade, not much is known about the genus collectively. With increased deep water exploration, it’s becoming clearer that the humble Chromis is equally comfortable in soul sucking depths as they are in the shallows. In the grand scheme of pomacentrid fish, Chromis represents the largest genera with over 80 valid species, although there is no doubt that this number will only continue to grow in the decades to come. Members of this genus are some of the few damselfishes to inhabit deep waters, with a couple of species pushing the boundaries and limits of even the most professional rebreather divers. In the relatively recent year of 2008, five new species of Chromis from the Western Pacific were described in a single publication. These represent some of the deepest known species yet, providing a glimpse of the genus’ diversity in the mesophotic zone. It also provides a rather interesting look at the seldom seen, whimsical side of ichthyologists. Scientists are known to sneak clever humour into their work, often in the form of anagrams or witty phrases. The species described in this paper were named in order of the first five letters of the english alphabet in chronological order, starting with Chromis abyssus, brevirostris, circumaurea, degruyi and earina. In other words, A,B,C,D,E! Today on epithet etymology, we will explore the witty humour of the Chromis quintet. How Chromis got its name is somewhat of a mystery. There is a haze of uncertainty that surrounds this one, and to the best of my knowledge, Chromis was named in reference to the greek word “chroma“, meaning color. This is, however, debatable. And since the genus Chromis was erected more than a century before I walked this earth, it’s true etymology is perhaps hidden amongst dusty, silverfish encrusted literature. Chromis abyssus
Chromis abyssus. Photo credit: Brian Greene/Richard Pyle.
The holotype of this handsome species was known from Belau Islands in Palau, at a depth of 110m. Apart from the type location, this species has also been observed at 120-150m in Manado, Sulawesi. … More:
The post Epithet etymology: It’s as easy as A, B, Chromis! appeared first on Reefs.com.