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The Science of Ichthyology, Defining Titles
By Frank Magallanes with
contribution by Brian M. Scott
I'm deeply grateful to Brian M.
Scott, Aquatic Editor of Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine for allowing me
permission to use definitions found in Encyclopedia of Exotic Tropical
Fishes For Freshwater Aquariums, Axelrod & Scott (2005).
With hobbyist who study and keep
piranhas always looking for new methods to define their hobby, I thought it
would be another great step to advance who we are to the world of tropical
fish keeping.
For myself, I have always considered
my hobby of piranha keeping as a piranha or Characoid
researcher. Indeed, when I created OPEFE my original title was piranha
researcher. Later, the news media and State Senate defined me as a piranha
expert. So what am I really? What is the common advanced fish-keeping
hobbyist who has no degree or school background called? The term amateur
has always carried a stigma of lowliness among the elite. Those who feel far
more superior to others. Indeed, there are scientist and some non-scientist
who use the term as if it were vulgar. In reality, it is not a vulgar term
nor is its use non-professional. Many famous people who practiced other
fields and had degrees separate from ichthyology were amateurs. Astronomers
are a good example. One only needs to find and read the annuals of
discoveries to find out that amateur astronomers play an important part in
this world. Indeed, if one were to really think about it, scientist use
local people to find out about fishes and their behavior. Fishermen make up
the foundation for scientists to build upon.
So we come to the definition as
published by Scott et al.
According to Scott (2005):
Bionomic ichthyologists
The role of aquarists and hobbyists
in ichthyology is broad. Many master aquarists are technically referred to
as bionomic ichthyologists while advanced aquarists are sometimes
considered amateur ichthyologists. Bionomic ichthyologists are
specialists in the care, husbandry, propagation, and general aquariology of
fishes. Their publications usually consist of society journals and
magazines on the subject of fish keeping in general. Frequently, bionomic
ichthyologists will publish books detailing techniques that resulted in
their success with groups of fishes.
Bionomic ichthyologists usually have
either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in
either biology or zoology with many credits being earned in fisheries
science. In many cases, extra credits are obtained in aquaculture or
other fish-related disciplines.
Amateur ichthyologists
Amateur ichthyologists are quite
common in the realm of fish-keeping. They play an important role in the
industry and often have management positions with large fish shops,
importers, and wholesalers. Frequently, they breed fishes at home in their
spare time and usually are quite active in fish clubs where they offer
their guidance to younger, less-experienced hobbyists. As as education is
concerned, amateur ichthyologists usually have a background in one of the
biological sciences, but some have degrees in a completely unrelated
subject such as accounting or education.
Systemic ichthyologists
Systemic ichthyologists are usually a
completely different breed of scientist. It is uncommon for an
ichthyologist doing systemic research to have anything less than a Master
of Sciences, and the vast majority either have a PhD or are working toward
the completion of one. Systemic ichthyologists are the taxonomists of the
fish world. They are the key individuals for naming and classifying all
fishes. Often, they work closely with ecologists, microbiologists,
veterinarians, and a wide assortment of other professionals. These
scientist live by the rule publish or perish and they often do so at
an astounding rate. Many of their publications are submitted for peer
review in one of the several scientific journals of the field.
Dictionary definitions:
Amateur
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From the Latin amator: lover,
devoted friend, devotee, enthusiastic pursuer of an objective.
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The word amateur has at least two
connotations. In the first, more widely used manner, it means someone
performing some task without pay, in contrast to a
"professional" who would be paid for the same task. In this
sense, labeling someone an "amateur" can have a negative
connotation. For example, amateur athletes in sports such as basketball or
football would not be regarded as having ability on par with professional
athletes in those sports.
Hobbyist
A person who pursues an activity in
their spare time for pleasure.
Scientist
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A person who has studied science,
especially one who is active in a particular field of investigation.
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a person who uses observation,
experimentation and theory to learn about a subject (Biologists,
physicists, chemists, geologists and astronomers are all scientists.)
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a person with advanced knowledge of
one or more sciences.
Systematist
Systematics is the study of the
diversity of organism characteristics. In biology, systematists are the
scientists who classify species and other taxa, which they do with the aim
of defining how they relate evolutionarily.
Additional useful definitions are found here. As read in that link, there
is a connection with someone doing a hobby and a professional. I agree, that
in a literal sense a professional does indeed imply no enjoyment in what
they are doing.
So what is my opinion of all of this?
I think its important for hobbyist to value themselves on their deeds
more than words or a title. The real expert on fishes at the hobbyist level
does not need a title to sustain their credibility. Its their work, time and
devotion they give to it that gives credibility. I'm very proud of my work
to help the hobby and while there are always detractors out in cyber space,
it does not mean they are right. You can measure your worth, by what you
have done. So if being called an amateur ichthyologist is important
to you, do not be ashamed to use it. Both Brian M. Scott and Glen Axelrod
are respected people in their field. I support them in their quest to
educate the hobbyist as I would support anyone else that showed a true
desire to further the hobby, free from personal gain or ego.
In conclusion, I hope this topic has
been useful for anyone reading it.
REFERENCES
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Axelrod, Glen S. and Scott, Brian M.
(2005) Encyclopedia of Exotic Tropical Fishes for Freshwater Aquariums,
TFH Publications, Inc. Neptune City, NJ 07753, p. 23.
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Axelrod, Herbert R. and Schultz,
Leonard P. (1990) Handbook of Tropical Aquariums Fishes, TFH Publications,
Inc. Neptune City, NJ 07753, pg.3-4.
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UPDATED: 07/07/2009
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