Definition
Jacques Daget (1919 – 2009) was a French ichthyologist renowned for his extensive taxonomic work on African freshwater fishes. He authored numerous species descriptions and contributed significantly to the scientific understanding of ichthyofauna in the continent’s river systems.
Overview
Born on 16 February 1919 in France, Daget pursued a career in zoology, specializing in ichthyology. He spent much of his professional life at the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle in Paris, where he served as a researcher and later as a senior curator. Over several decades, Daget published a large body of literature, including monographs, field guides, and scientific papers that described new fish species and clarified the taxonomy of several families, notably Cyprinidae, Cichlidae, and Characidae. His work often involved collaboration with African institutions and field expeditions across West and Central Africa.
Daget’s taxonomic contributions are frequently cited in ichthyological databases, and his author abbreviation “Daget” is used in the scientific naming of species he described. He was a member of several scientific societies, such as the Société Française d’Ichtyologie, and received recognition for his contributions to African fish biodiversity. He passed away on 23 May 2009.
Etymology/Origin
The given name “Jacques” is the French form of “Jacob,” derived from the Hebrew name יַעֲקֹב (Ya‘ăqōb), meaning “supplanter” or “holder of the heel.” The surname “Daget” is of French origin; its precise etymology is not widely documented, but it may stem from regional or occupational roots common to French family names.
Characteristics
- Field of Expertise: Ichthyology, with a focus on the taxonomy, systematics, and distribution of African freshwater fishes.
- Scientific Contributions: Author of more than 200 scientific publications; description of dozens of new species; development of identification keys for African riverine fishes.
- Research Methods: Combination of morphological analysis, field collection, and museum specimen examination; occasional use of early molecular techniques in later career stages.
- Professional Affiliations: Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle (Paris), Société Française d’Ichtyologie, and various African research institutions.
- Legacy: Daget’s taxonomic revisions remain foundational references for contemporary ichthyologists studying African freshwater biodiversity. Several fish species bear his name as a tribute, e.g., Enteromius dageti.
Related Topics
- Ichthyology
- African freshwater fish biodiversity
- Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle (Paris)
- Taxonomic author abbreviations (e.g., “Daget”)
- Cyprinidae, Cichlidae, Characidae families
- Scientific naming conventions (binomial nomenclature)
All information presented is based on documented sources from scientific literature, museum records, and biographical entries.