Last week, five new fish species were given some left-leaning names after being recognized as distinct species for the first time. The five fish species were previously considered populations of the wider-ranging Speckled Darter (Etheostoma stigmaeum), but male breeding colors and morphology have revealed their 'true colors.' The fish were "discovered" and named by Steve Layman from Geosyntec Consultants in Georgia and Rick Mayden from the Department of Biology at Saint Louis University.
Etheostoma Obama, the Spangled Darter
Found in Tennessee.
Steve Layman: “We chose President Obama for his environmental leadership, particularly in the areas of clean energy and environmental protection, and because he is one of our first leaders to approach conservation and environmental protection from a more global vision."
Etheostoma Gore, the Cumberland Darter
Found in Tennessee and Kentucky.
Steve Layman: “Vice President Gore’s environmental leadership throughout his public service, and after he left office, contributed significantly to our society pivoting from regional environmental protection to a more global perspective on human impacts to our environment (global climate change). He also has a geographic tie to the new species from the Cumberland River – Nashville, where he is from, is located along the Cumberland River.”
Etheostoma JimmyCarter, the Bluegrass Darter
Found in Tennessee and Kentucky.
Steve Layman: "“President Carter preserved lands for wilderness protection, established a natural energy policy (signed into law the Department of Energy), and since leaving office has made tremendous contributions globally through his humanitarian work."
Etheostoma TeddyRoosevelt, the Highland Darter
Found in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
Steve Layman: "“President Roosevelt will always be known for his legacy of preserving vast areas for national monuments, parks, forests, and refuges, setting a precedent that many other presidents would follow (not only these particular leaders)."
Etheostoma Clinton, the Beaded Darter
Found in the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas.
Steve Layman: “President Clinton also preserved millions of acres of wilderness, enhanced environmental protection of national forests, and has a geographic tie to the new species from the Ouachita highlands in Arkansas. We admire these American leaders for their vision, leadership, and commitment to conserving our natural resources and protecting the environment for future generations.”
