What's in a Name?

STANDARD, COMMON AND SCIENTIFIC NAMES

Each fish species has a unique two-part scientific name, however, many species have more than one "common" or vernacular name - especially fishes that are widely distributed around Australia. Or, a single common name may be used for more than one species of fish.

Have you ever caught a Snapper, or perhaps one of these: Australasian Snapper, Cockney, Cockney Bream, Eastern Snapper, Nobblers, Old Man Red Snapper, Old Man Snapper, Pink Snapper, Pinkie, Pinkies, Queen, Red Bream, Reddie, Ruggers, Schnapper, Silver Seabream, Squire, Tamure, Western Snapper, White Snapper? Over time, these common names have been used in various parts of Australia for the popular angling and food fish, known scientifically as Chrysophrys auratus.

THE AUSTRALIAN FISH NAMES STANDARD

The problem of confusion over common names was solved with the introduction of The Australian Fish Names Standard AS SSA 5300 in 2007, which prescribes a standard fish name for each species of fish produced or traded in Australia.

“Snapper” is the Australian Standard Name for Chrysophrys auratus.

Although the Standard is voluntary, (except for export), it enables standard fish names to be used as an Australian industry best practice guide throughout the whole supply chain from primary producer (wild harvest or aquaculture), through to retailers and restaurants, including imported seafood.

Standard Fish Names are available via the Australian Fish Names Database which includes around 5,000 Australian and imported species.

Other examples include:

· Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) has also been known as barra, barramunda, cock-up, palmer, palmer perch, or silver barramundi

· John Dory (Zeus faber) has also been known as doorkeeper’s fish, dory keparu, kuparu or St Peter’s fish.

Here's a video explaining the scientific names of fishes.

BACKGROUND

As early as the 1920’s people recognised the need to standardise names to address the increasing confusion surrounding fishes marketed in Australia. Past surveys showed that when purchasing seafood, people were very concerned about the accuracy of fish names and the labelling of seafood. Studies have shown that seafood in restaurants and markets around the country were often mislabeled.

The Standard, developed by the Fish Names Committee, resulted from extensive consultation and consensus among a wide range of stakeholders, including several of the world's leading fish taxonomists. This list aims to greatly improve seafood marketing in Australia. If seafood is labelled with the correct Standard Fish Name, consumers can make informed choices when purchasing seafood or dining at restaurants.

Each species treatment in this website provides the Australian Standard Fish Name, along with other names that have been used for the species throughout Australia - including some names used by Australia's First Peoples. In addition, common names used overseas are often listed.

Cite this page as:

Bray, D.J. & Gomon, M.F. 2025. What's in a Name? in Fishes of Australia, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/content/148

Author: Bray, D.J. & Gomon, M.F. 2025