| Remarks |
Mohammedans of Africa and Asia venerated this fish, probably due to its long sickle-form dorsal fin, and hence its name, Moorish idol (Ref. 4537). Its Latin name, Zanclus cornutus, can be literally translated as ‘horned back’: Zanclus, from Greek agklino, i.e., ‘to be on one’s back’ (Ref. 45335), and cornutus from Latin, i.e., horned (http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0059:entry=cornutus1). The name Zanclus was applied to a person, the first king of Messina (Sicily), who gave his name to the town of Zancle (http://www.ancientlibrary.com/smith-bio/3643.html). Which makes Gill of Nemo a venerated Sicilian crowned prince. |