H Geoffrey Moser. Larval Fishes: Taxonomy, Distribution, and Fisheries Biology

Abstract

Authors' note.—H Geoffrey Moser was one of the most influential larval-fish biologists of the past century. He was perhaps best known to ASIH members as the coeditor and motivating force behind the first ASIH Special Publication, Ontogeny and Systematics of Fishes. His other accomplishments included an extensive body of publications on larval fishes, with descriptions of development in almost 50 families and as editor of one of the most comprehensive regional identification guides for the California Current (relevant for much of the eastern Pacific and elsewhere). He co-taught courses in larval-fish identification that trained a generation of ichthyologists in that discipline. Many of those scientists have passed that skill on to younger students, continuing his legacy to the present. In addition, he was a talented illustrator and a poet. Geoff, as he was known to his colleagues and friends, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 83 on September 30, 2021. He was interviewed for this Historical Perspective by internet during the COVID-19 pandemic at his home in Bozeman, Montana, in April, 2021 by Eric Hilton and Bruce Mundy. He also provided most of the photographs. The interview was completed through questions and answers exchanged by email. Geoff was shown all of the drafts of this account. He actively contributed to it until the day before his death and approved its content.