Nature The public can help decide the names of new Swiss fish species

Researchers are asking the public for help in naming two newly discovered Swiss fish. Interested parties should determine the exact names of two new species of the genus Barbatula - also known as the bearded goby or brook loach.

Keystone-SDA

11.02.2025, 12:34

SDA

The researchers hope that the survey will raise awareness of biodiversity among the population.

"By actively involving the population in the discovery process, we want to foster a deeper connection with nature", says biologist Barbara Calegari from the University of Bern in an interview conducted by this university and published by the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) on Tuesday.

Participants in the survey are asked whether the first newly discovered fish species should be called Barbatula fluvicola or Barbatula amnicus. For the second newly discovered species, the options are Barbatula ommata or Barbatula limnicus. The epithets describe a special characteristic of the fish species.

One species lives in fast-flowing streams and rivers whose water ultimately flows into the Rhine. The other species lives in lakes. The new Barbatula fish were identified as a new species following an investigation using modern genetic methods.

"In Switzerland, fish species are often overlooked because their habitats are considered to be well researched," says researcher Calegari. According to her, 13 European Barbatula species are known to date. According to the biologist, researchers estimate that there are still 800 species to be described across Europe.

https://www.aqua.iee.unibe.ch/research/research_projects/naming_of_new_fish_species/forms/wie_sollen_die_neu_entdeckten_fischarten_heissen/index_eng.html