There is not much particularly puzzling about the Acanthonus armatus, except for its mysterious common name. Described as a "glorified tadpole" by some, the Acanthonus armatus is commonly known as the spiny-eared assfish. According to the Royal BC Museum, a species discoverer cannot name a new species after him/herself, and the name must be tasteful. "Assfish" is not the formal name, but its origins are mysterious. Some claim it gained its name just for being ugly.