Glossary

paratype

In zoological nomenclature, a specimen other than the holotype upon which a description is based, i.e., each specimen of a type series other than the holotype.

Used in 10 species profiles

cotype
Term formerly used in zoological taxonomy and equivalent to the modern terms syntype and paratype but no longer valid according to the ICZN code.
description
Used in ichthyology in reference to a written description of a new species, usually in the form of a scientifically-published paper though many have been also appeared in aquarium literature, particularly in the late twentieth century. Also referred to as 'type description' or 'original description'.
holotype
The single specimen designated as the name-bearing type of a nominal species or subspecies.
specimen
Individual organism regarded as typical of the group or class to which it belongs; the whole or part of such an organism collected and preserved for scientific purposes.
type series
Series of specimens which either constitutes the name-bearing type of a nominal species or subspecies, or from which the name-bearing type has been or may be designated
zoological nomenclature
Taxonomic system of scientific names for zoological taxa and the provisions for the formation, treatment, and use of those names. See ICZN.