Aquatic Life

This Fish's Common Name Is Assfish, But No One Knows Why

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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.

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This Week In History Season 3 Episode 5 – Spiny-eared Assfish
Royal BC Museum – Royal BC Museum

Key Facts In This Video

  1. The common name for the Acanthonus armatus is spiny-eared assfish. 01:55

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