Taxonomy of Finfish

1.2.9 Types

1.2.9 History of Aquaculture in India

1. Holotype or type

The single specimen designated or indicated as ‘the type’ by the original author at the time of publication of the original description.

2. Syntype

If there is no holotype, then all the specimens of the type series are syntypes. Syntypes may include specimens not seen by the author but were based upon previously published description or figures upon which he founded his taxon in whole or in part.

3. Paratype

After the holotype has been labelled, the remaining specimens of the type should be labelled as ‘paratype’ in order to clearly identify the components of the original type series.

4. Lectotype

It is one of the series of syntypes. Selection of lectotype should be undertaken only by a specialist during revision work. It should never be done merely in order to add a type specimen to the collection. If the description of a species is clearly based on particular specimen, that specimen should be made the lectotype.

5. Neotype

A specimen selected on type subsequent to the original description in cases where the original types are known to be destroyed and were suppressed by the commission.

6. Allotype

A paratype of opposite sex to the holotype.

7. Topotype

Specimen from the type locality collected there subsequent to the original description.

8. Paratopotype or Isotype

A specimen other than holotype taken at the same place as the holotype and included in the original description.