Scientist Fan Names Invader Crustacean After Elton John

A new species of microscopic crustacean from Indonesia that has invaded Hawaii has been named after English singer and composer Elton John.

Christian Science Monitor reports that the species was discovered by Dr. James Thomas of Florida's Nova Southeastern University, who claims to be a fan of the singer.

"I named the species in honor of Sir Elton John because I have listened to his music in my lab during my entire scientific career. So, when this unusual crustacean with a greatly enlarged appendage appeared under my microscope after a day of collecting, an image of the shoes Elton John wore as the Pinball Wizard came to mind," Dr. Thomas explained in a press release. The crustacean has been named L.Eltoni.

Researchers are not sure how the amphipod got to Hawaii but suggest it may have travelled inside its host sponge or tuicate attached to a floating drydock.

While it is not know how L.Eltoni has affected its new area of invasion yet but Dr. Thomas opines that recognizing an invasion itself reveals how important monitoring is.

"Such studies show the importance of regular environmental monitoring, especially in tropical environments," he said.

The study describing the crustacean has been published in the journal ZooKeys.