I hate "common" names!

[michael_cb_125]

What is a Booberry Hogfish?

Wait...... I eat those in my Capt. Crunch ;)

~Michael

[jmaneyapanda]

dont get me started

[michael_cb_125]

Do you have any idea?

~Michael

[flameangel88]

Do you have any idea?

~Michael

nope, but I know you will be the first on DD tonight when they update. :)

[michael_cb_125]

;)

~Michael

[SDguy]

I prefer Frankenberry.

[flameangel88]

I would go out and get a Burberry Hogfish but my wife is not into Burberry brand. lol

Does anyone know what it is yet?

[pookstreet]

I like the Brazilian Buttflyfish!!!

[michael_cb_125]

Brazilian Buttflyfish- Great fish, mine had great personality.

As for the burberry hogfish, maybe you should try to patent this Kevin? ;)

~Michael

[jmaneyapanda]

They just posted on Facebook that its Bodianus speciosus.

[Ian]

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/bigian001/13756_177680219705_32999209705_2653.jpg

[copps]

Michael, unfortunately for every one of us that hate common names there are one thousand that hate the scientific name... :fun4:

[kirkaz]

I hate the Latin names, I mean c'mon does anyone know what a Taxidea taxus is, yes its a Badger.

We don't call other animals by their Latin names, why do have to call fish by them??

King Angel
Arabian Angel
Arabian Tang aka Red Sea Clown Tang
Redtooth Trigger

These sound so much better to me....Latin names are for Scientists, sorry.

[michael_cb_125]

I guess everyone is different. But with the scientific name there is no confusion ;)

~Michael

[SDguy]

:lol: I've never heard it called an Arabian tang.

[kirkaz]

:lol: I've never heard it called an Arabian tang.

Gotcha covered

http://www.aquariumpassion.com/profiles/saltwater-fish/acanthuridae/acanthurus-sohal.html

That's as good as I could find, impressive picture on the link, that guy must be a MONSTER.

I heard somebody call it that once and liked it.
:D

[tcmfish]

At least call it a sohal tang, that is the species name and the most common common name used. Not arabian tang just because you like it. Why do you think there is so much confusion? Because people like you make up names you "like". Even that off the wall website lists sohal tang first.

Latin names or scientific names are so much better, and if people put any effort into learning them like they do the common names it would be so much better. Plus lots of them follow trends that aren't hard to pick up on.

And also a lot of them are the common name, argi angelfish=Centropyge argi, eibli angelfish=Centropyge eibli, sohal tang=Acanthurus sohal, achilles tang=Acanthurus achilles, the list goes on, but it really isn't that hard to learn common reef fish!

[ruiny]

Put me in the common name group.
Though it would be nice if were more standard.
I don't know that latin name for anything else, why fish?
And coral is even worse.
Anyway hats off to all that can devote the time or have the desire to learn the latin.

[kirkaz]

At least call it a sohal tang, that is the species name and the most common common name used. Not arabian tang just because you like it. Why do you think there is so much confusion? Because people like you make up names you "like". Even that off the wall website lists sohal tang first.

Latin names or scientific names are so much better, and if people put any effort into learning them like they do the common names it would be so much better. Plus lots of them follow trends that aren't hard to pick up on.

And also a lot of them are the common name, argi angelfish=Centropyge argi, eibli angelfish=Centropyge eibli, sohal tang=Acanthurus sohal, achilles tang=Acanthurus achilles, the list goes on, but it really isn't that hard to learn common reef fish!

Wow, you have really enlightened me Tim, I had no idea after being in the hobby for 8 years:rolleye1: And you missed the point. Yes I call mine a Sohal Tang, and yes when I had an Achilles for 5 years I called it an Achilles and yes, I could probably name 90 percent of Triggers, 80% of Tangs, and close to 100% of large Angels by Latin names, still prefer the common in many cases.

Thanks for the lecture about your opinion though:fun2:

[Luiz Rocha]

Not only I hate common names, but I can NEVER memorize them... Weird, I know, but once you start learning by scientific name you never go back.

Now to the subject in hand, I don't think keeping Bodianus speciosus in aquaria is a very good idea, unless you have a 1k gallon tank or something. These guys get HUGE, when I was in Cape Verde I saw some that were half a meter long (that is almost 2 feet for those that like imperial units), and I don't think they look very nice after they lose the juvenile coloration. I have some photos of them, will post later.

[SDguy]

Gotcha covered

http://www.aquariumpassion.com/profiles/saltwater-fish/acanthuridae/acanthurus-sohal.html


People really like to call something "arabian" if it's from there... angel, butterfly, and apparently now even tang :)

My problem is, how do you know which fish you are talking about? More than one tang lives in the arabian sea. There is nothing distinguishing about the name, and no standardization.

[Ian]

Now to the subject in hand, I don't think keeping Bodianus speciosus in aquaria is a very good idea, unless you have a 1k gallon tank or something. These guys get HUGE, when I was in Cape Verde I saw some that were half a meter long (that is almost 2 feet for those that like imperial units), and I don't think they look very nice after they lose the juvenile coloration. I have some photos of them, will post later.

I thought it odd that Fishbase listed this fish to get 40-50 cm but I guess it wasn't a typo!

That's a HUGE fish!! :eek1:

[kirkaz]

People really like to call something "arabian" if it's from there... angel, butterfly, and apparently now even tang :)

My problem is, how do you know which fish you are talking about? More than one tang lives in the arabian sea. There is nothing distinguishing about the name, and no standardization.

Sohal was a bad example on my part, just trying to use fish I own....Redtooth Trigger, and King Angel would be the best 2 examples of fish I currently own.

Here is one for everyone though, Gymnothorax miliaris. Only by the common name can you tell which variant it is. The Banana which is all (or almost all) yellow version from way south vs the Goldentail version found in the Caribbean.

[small alien]

There's a reason to use both. It depends.

[michael_cb_125]

Boy, look what I started :)

~Michael

[xxtriggermanxx]

Boy, look what I started :)

~Michael

Not to be picky but......it's "cap'n crunch" get your names straight ! :)

[LukFox]

Here is one for everyone though, Gymnothorax miliaris. Only by the common name can you tell which variant it is. The Banana which is all (or almost all) yellow version from way south vs the Goldentail version found in the Caribbean.

That's exactly why I use miliaris when talking about that eel. I've had people think my experience with a goldentail is irrelevant to their banana, and it gets a little annoying. It's the same fish, so I just use the name the morphs share now to avoid confusion.

[deladarkstep]

I think that in this hobby, latin names are more appropriate. I don't know about you, but I feel more like a scientist then a kid in a candystore when I maintain and test my tank. It's all about minimizing confusion imo.

[francis1123]

what the heck i'll add my worthless 2 cents. i agree that common names are useful in that they are easier to remember. but, if you are asking about a fish, or selling a fish, you should include the scientific name. if you google powder brown tang you get 2 different fish images(Acanthurus japonicus)(Acanthurus nigricans). but if you google the scientific name of the specific "powder brown" tang you are refering too, you get one.

[reefergeorge]

I have to copy and paste in the google bar every time someone use a scientific name, but at least there isn't confusion about what it is.

[tcmfish]

That is a good example! ^

Sohal was a bad example on my part, just trying to use fish I own....Redtooth Trigger, and King Angel would be the best 2 examples of fish I currently own.

Here is one for everyone though, Gymnothorax miliaris. Only by the common name can you tell which variant it is. The Banana which is all (or almost all) yellow version from way south vs the Goldentail version found in the Caribbean.

You still don't even use the most common names for your fish. Niger trigger and passer angel, if I am guessing right? Which if you look at their species name it is niger and passer... what a coincidence....

[michael_cb_125]

"I have to copy and paste in the google bar every time someone use a scientific name, but at least there isn't confusion about what it is."

Perfect example of how using scientific names alleviates confusion.

On a side note, I am not bad mouthing LA or Kevin. When they sell fish they do include both the common and scientific names. :)

~Michael

[screwtape]

I don't see how it's (usually) any easier to remember common names than scientific ones (except perhaps the reallllly long scientific names), they're both just a word. I think a lot of common names are at best generic, poorly descriptive, and difficult to remember. At worst are extremely misleading and dangerous, ie "scooter blenny". :p

[michael_cb_125]

Very Well said! ^

~Michael

[kirkaz]

Here is what I'm saying, most of the people that see my tanks are not fish keepers. I find in more useful (for lack of a better word) to say, "that is my Redtooth Trigger", oh yes, I see the red teeth. "That is my Emperor Angel and King Angel swimming together", sounds more appropriate to me, than "That is my Imperator Angel with the Passer Angel".

Yes, it is nice to know both. And yes when we get the "fish identity" threads I will use Latin, and yes google is very useful. In everyday life, I typically prefer common names when there is an OPTION.

[DFS]

Ill throw in my two cents as well. I have always been a proponent of only using scientific names for marine fishes, but customers and most marine aquarists have demanded that we list both the most common and valid scientific name for each fish.

If anyone has tried to order from overseas suppliers based on common names that differ by region for the same genus and species, its a lot to remember and you get frustrated over time to say the least.

The fish that I always use to give an example of why things can be complex and confusing with using common names to describe marine fishes is when looking at the Teardrop Angelfish, Melas Angelfish, Keyhole Angelfish and Tibicen Angelfish. Although this fish has four common names it only has one valid and true scientific name Centropyge tibicen.

Although Bodianus speciosus is ideally suited for public aquaria that have very large displays, if anyone here on RC is interested in this fascinating little fish please make sure you have a very large display aquarium to properly house the animal as Luiz is correct in that this species can grow very large over time.

Cheers!

[LobsterOfJustice]

If you know some basic latin, the species names often are easy to remember as they describe the species... "bimaculatus" = two spots, "multifasciatus" = many bars, etc I could go on (species named after people are a pet peeve - but that's another issue!). There are multiple common names for a fish (technically, there is only one correct one, but many in use), so it's easier to remember one universally used name.

[francis1123]

I don't see how it's (usually) any easier to remember common names than scientific ones (except perhaps the reallllly long scientific names), they're both just a word. I think a lot of common names are at best generic, poorly descriptive, and difficult to remember. At worst are extremely misleading and dangerous, ie "scooter blenny". :p

i agree it isn't "harder" if we were to use them regularly. it's a matter of taking the time to only address them by scientific names when talking about them to your friends.

[Kahuna Tuna]

We don't call other animals by their Latin names, why do have to call fish by them??

I guess thats because there aren't a dozen or more common names for a badger. Common names for fish can be very confusing and there is way too much crossover.

[saix88]

I can't remember scientific names because I don't know how to pronounce them! Now I can't stand "nick names" for corals.

[Luiz Rocha]

Haha, interesting that nobody has caught this before, but the "official" English common name (if there is such a thing) of Bodianus speciosus is Blackbar Hogfish, and not Booberry Hogfish :)

The worst thing about common names is that so far, the only nation trying to standardize them is the US (and maybe very few European countries for fisheries species). The American Fisheries Society publishes an official list of common names of fishes from North America, but even with that you still find variation within the US. If you go anywhere else, every fishing village has a different common name for several species, and most species that are not fished have no common name at all.

Oh, you may notice that I am capitalizing all starting letters in the common names. That is the newest recommendation of the AFS common names committee.

[Cantonesefish]

Hey Luiz, so glad you are following the latest recommendations from the AFS common names committee, unlike some others on this site who I will not name :D

Kahuna Tuna hit the nail on the head with too much crossover! I have one book which lists the Purple Tang, Z. xanthurus, as a "Sailfin Tang" and the Yellow Tang as a "Yellow Sailfin Tang," while Z. veliferum is listed as the "Pacific Sailfin Tang." My favorite of course, is Acanthurus nigricans and A. japonicus, which each have only one common name "Powder Brown Tang."

[jmaneyapanda]

Hey guys, check out my blue tang!!!!!

http://www.fintasticaquariums.com/_storeimages/tang-powderblue.jpg

http://www.ultimatereef.net/iddb/images/fish/tangs/tang1.jpg

http://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_11_03/images/2831_bluehippogeckopsu.jpg

In fact, how many different common names does that last fish have? Hippo, Palette, Blue, and even (ackk.....) "Dory". Nonsense.

[saix88]

Powder Blue
Atlantic Blue
Pacific Blue

How do you like those shades of blue? ;)

Fish distributors *that sell only to businesses* should really use scientific instead of a common of even their own name/short hand. There are countless times I've heard "I saw this fish on the list I've never heard of so I ordered it" Then it turns out to be a common fish they tricked them on.

[Beaun]

This is why I like birding, birds have standardized common names. A Northern Cardinal is a Northern Cardinal no matter where you go, which is why they are capitalized. Yes the scientific name is Cardinalis cardinalis, but it dosnt really matter for most people, because no one can be confused either way. It's much easier to say Osprey rather than Pandion haliaetus, everyone knows what an Osprey is.

Usually if I discuss a fish online, I will give the more accepted common and scientific. This way people cant be confused and dont have to look it up if they know the common name.

[saix88]

Why isn't there a standard?

I also hate when people abbreviate common names as if it's really THAT easy to know what those 3-5 letters mean.

[wfournier]

I feel common names are useful, but unfortunately they have become so convoluted they are almost meaningless. I was looking for some Banggai cardinals (or Bangai depending on who spells it) and the only thing the guy I was talking to could find on their list was "hifin cardinals" which are Banggai, but it took some research on my part to figure that out. Now LA calls them "Kaudern's cardinals" which I suppose may be more correct as the latin name is P. kauderni. All in all though it just seems like a mess. Is C. argi a "pygmy angel" or a kind of pygmy angel?

[Beaun]

I always say pygmy 'cherub' angel when talking about C. argi. I have also heard it called caribbean angel, which is odd since there are several angels in the trade form the caribbean. It is defintly an interesting discussion and possibly a sticky thread of its own for common names with scientific names, instead of a new primer.

[SDguy]

http://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_11_03/images/2831_bluehippogeckopsu.jpg

In fact, how many different common names does that last fish have? Hippo, Palette, Blue, and even (ackk.....) "Dory". Nonsense.

I always called it a regal tang :o

[username in use]

I always called it "that blue fish in that tank over there" or, "That bluiiius fishiius in that tankerii over thereii";)

[Ev's Reef]

I use common names for most fish, and scientific names for corals, but I probably should learn the scientific names for both.

[jmaneyapanda]

Powder Blue
Atlantic Blue
Pacific Blue

How do you like those shades of blue? ;)

Fish distributors *that sell only to businesses* should really use scientific instead of a common of even their own name/short hand. There are countless times I've heard "I saw this fish on the list I've never heard of so I ordered it" Then it turns out to be a common fish they tricked them on.

So, if you see a thread with a "blue tang" for sale, which is it?

[username in use]

So, if you see a thread with a "blue tang" for sale, which is it?

Its probably a yellow tailed damsel.:p

[Wolverine]

Michael, unfortunately for every one of us that hate common names there are one thousand that hate the scientific name... :fun4:

That's definitely the biggest problem.

[joetbs]

you guys try coming up with good common names for uncommon fish

[Wolverine]

We don't call other animals by their Latin names, why do have to call fish by them??

King Angel
Arabian Angel
Arabian Tang aka Red Sea Clown Tang
Redtooth Trigger

These sound so much better to me....Latin names are for Scientists, sorry.

The problem is that common names get reused. I've seen 4 different triggers labeled as "huma", 3 different trigger species labeled as "red-tailed trigger", as two quick examples off the top of my head. Many of the names are regionally used, so if you're ordering something from another part of the country, you may not get what you think you're getting.
You also have multiple common names for the same fish; in this area, I never see someone call Odonus niger a "red-tooth" as you did; it's always listed as a "niger trigger".

[tcmfish]

And really? Red Sea Clown Tang? What happened to Sohal tang? Arabian and Red Sea Clown Tang its like you were trying for off the wall common names, although I've heard these before they definitely aren't common common names.

[kirkaz]

I never see someone call Odonus niger a "red-tooth" as you did; it's always listed as a "niger trigger".

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert M Fenner....Pages 315 and 316

[kirkaz]

And really? Red Sea Clown Tang? What happened to Sohal tang? Arabian and Red Sea Clown Tang its like you were trying for off the wall common names, although I've heard these before they definitely aren't common common names.


Tim, I've already covered that, it was a bad example on my part, can we move on???

I have one, I call it a Sohal Tang.....Happy?:rolleye1:

[michael_cb_125]

This is a good thread! I think that both sides have valid points, but will always lean toward using scientific names as it is less confusing (for me personally).


~Michael

[kirkaz]

This is a good thread! I think that both sides have valid points, but will always lean toward using scientific names as it is less confusing (for me personally).


~Michael

Yes on this site in most cases it is more valid....Though I do enjoy a good debate:hammer:

[wfournier]

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert M Fenner....Pages 315 and 316

It is funny if someone was talking about a "red tooth trigger" I would have no idea what they are talking about. In a way I feel it illustrates the point about common names, they are useful, but not reliable.

[HomeSlizzice]

I prefer to use the common name, then the scientific name in parenthesis such as Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge Bispinosus) that way its easier for most people. In conversation I usually say the common name, because I almost always either mispronounce or just don't know how to say the scientific name. For example, even to this day I still occasionally pronounce Centropyge as "Cen-Tro-Page" when it is actually "Cent-Roe-Pie-Gay."

I still think I mispronounce half of the scientific names though; luckily I can recognize the scientific name that goes with the fish though.

[4wheelvfr]

I prefer to use the common name, then the scientific name in parenthesis such as Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge Bispinosus) that way its easier for most people. In conversation I usually say the common name, because I almost always either mispronounce or just don't know how to say the scientific name. For example, even to this day I still occasionally pronounce Centropyge as "Cen-Tro-Page" when it is actually "Cent-Roe-Pie-Gay."

I still think I mispronounce half of the scientific names though; luckily I can recognize the scientific name that goes with the fish though.

I tend to use both quite a bit, but I prefer latin names. One thing I like about the latin names is that, even mispronounced, most folks still know which fish you're referring to, and from what I've gathered, pronunciation isn't a huge deal anyways.

[Beaun]

Honestly, if you just pronounce something and you say it like you mean it, no one will every really argue with you about it. There are many ways to pronounce them. Latin has changed so much since it was origionally spoken that it dosnt matter. Say it how you think it should be and be confident about it.

[Wolverine]

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert M Fenner....Pages 315 and 316

Yes, I know the name is used, that's why I specifically said (which you edited out), "In this area..." These names are often regional, as I also mentioned, which is one of the many problems. I believe that Bob Fenner has also been a proponent of more people using scientific names.

[Uncko Macko]

Sohal was a bad example on my part, just trying to use fish I own....Redtooth Trigger, and King Angel would be the best 2 examples of fish I currently own.

Here is one for everyone though, Gymnothorax miliaris. Only by the common name can you tell which variant it is. The Banana which is all (or almost all) yellow version from way south vs the Goldentail version found in the Caribbean.

I have a Golden Moray. He is a Banana or Brazilian. Could you elaborate on this a little more or point me in the rite direction to read about it?

Thanks

[tcmfish]

myerst just started an id thread, great way to brush up on some latin names.

[IFbettas]

I agree with the scientific name group mostly. It really isn't that hard to remember atleast the genus names of the fish. If you can remember that Zebrasoma, Naso, and Acanthurus sp. are tangs, then when someone tells you they have an Acanthurus dussumieri atleast you will know that it is a tang. Remembering the individual species name takes longer, but pays off in the end.

When I visited my uncle in Germany last summer, he was really excited about a new fish he had gotten. I had no clue what the common name he called it was in German, but he knew the latin name was Zebrasoma rostratum. I then knew what the fish he was talking about was.

When I have non hobbyist friends over there is no point in calling my fish by there latin names. Instead I'll just let them call my Acanthurus leucosternon "dory" and we'll be on the same page (it drives me crazy though!).

[4wheelvfr]

When I have non hobbyist friends over there is no point in calling my fish by there latin names. Instead I'll just let them call my Acanthurus leucosternon "dory" and we'll be on the same page (it drives me crazy though!).

Ha, that drives me crazy as well. My Purple, Mimic Half Black, and Nubilus tangs are all dory lol.

[E.intheC]

I'd prefer to use scientific names with two exceptions. The first is when guests come over, and they ask "what fish is that blue one over there?!".. I'm going to reply with the common name. I'd get very strange looks if I replied with the scientific :lol:

The second is in certain circumstances where there is one scientific name for a number of different morphs. Ex: Black and White clowns have the same scientific name as the Orange variety... (This is a rare occurrence though).. My 1/2 cent.

[zooty]

Well the Booberry Hogfish is back on DD tonight.

I googled it for a pic and found this thread. Haha

[skibum9884]

yes, I hope whoever picks it up realizes what they're in for. this is a BIG fish!

[Cantonesefish]

yes, I hope whoever picks it up realizes what they're in for. this is a BIG fish!

haha yeah I almost bought one a few years ago, thinking they were similar in size to the twinspot hog... now I'm glad I didn't :)

[Toddrtrex]

I use both --- mainly use common names because my spelling is awful.

However, when if it is a common name that can be used for more then one fish, I do my best to put the latin/scientific name in parentheses.

[jasonrp104]

I bounce between the two for fish and anemones depending on what I'm dealing with. Common fish usually get stuck with a common name.

The thing I hate are the latest coral names. You'll see a tank stocked with Pomacanthus imperator, Pseudanthias bimaculatus, and a pair of clowns. Then they proceed to show you thier collection of darth maul and nuclear green gorrilla nipples

[Untamed12]

The one that drives me crazy is "Naso Tang"...because it is using the Genus name to represent a single species.

Yeah, I know that N. literatus is probably the one being referred to...but there are LOTS of very different Naso tangs. I feel compelled to defend the less famous Nasos..

[melanotaenia]

I think using scientific names may be fine for obscure or rare/less often seen species but I see nothing wrong with having common names for the popular and common marine species. Other animal hobbyists have common names for most of their different species of whatever animal they are dealing with. Of course, the more hardcore and passionate hobbyists will also know most scientific names. Pronouncing them however can be a totally different challenge ;)

[namxas]

we use binomials in our home almost exclusively since we keep many different species of scorpionfish, which often have the same common names or many common names, and are almost always mis-ID'd anyhow.

also, by using the binomial names, one can easily tell which fish are closely related, which often gives you an idea as to their habits, care, and compatibility (not always, but it's a good start).

JM .02...

[Creetin]

I prefer Frankenberry.

Showng your age. ;) Unfortunately i am too by quoting ya. LOL

Michael, unfortunately for every one of us that hate common names there are one thousand that hate the scientific name... :fun4:

I dont care for scientific names. When common names go over the edge though it gets a silly.

[velvetelvis]

I like scientific names because I like knowing precisely which animal I'm dealing with. IMO, it's highly useful to be able to look at a fish that's being offered as a "tiger watchman goby" at some site, see that the genus name is Valenciennea, not Cryptocentrus, and realize that this is actually a sand-shifting goby, not a "watchman" shrimp goby. They're two completely different fishes with different habits, but you wouldn't know it by looking at their common names.

I got used to learning scientific names years ago when I kept African cichlids and rainbowfish. It seems to be a hobby among scientists to re-classify Rift Lake cichlids, and new rainbowfish species without common names are being discovered all the time, so if you were into them you pretty much had to learn scientific names in self-defense. :p I am no intellectual, so if I can do it, anybody can. It really isn't that hard!

There seems to be this reverse elitism where people think scientific names are for eggheads and pretentious types, but IMO, people who scorn scientific names because they think they're annoying and complicated and too hard to learn aren't giving themselves enough credit for their good brains. Knowledge is a good thing. It doesn't make you a snob--it makes you well-informed.

There's nothing wrong with common names. I use them frequently--I'll talk about my new toadstool coral, not my Sarcophyton ehrenbergi, or mention my clown gobies instead of my Gobiodon atrangulatus. It is a mistake, however, to rely on them exclusively. Knowing the scientific names (and no, I don't know how to pronounce most of them either!) of animals you're interested in--or even those you might never plan on keeping--can help you make smarter, more informed decisions. That saves you money and aggravation.

[iamwhatiam52]

Common names are not so bad, but when someone I set up a tank for asked for a Nemo and a Dory, well that crossed the line!

[namxas]

Common names are not so bad, but when someone I set up a tank for asked for a Nemo and a Dory, well that crossed the line!

that's when you break the tank down and walk away with your sense of values intact. :rolleye1:

[KafudaFish]

As it has already been pointed out, scientific names > common names. There is only one species name but there can be multiple common names and that is based on location. I have talked to people about native freshwater fish and they will throw out some really really off the wall name that only a local fisherman would know but eventually I could figure out the species name of the fish. Does it make me a “better” fish geek if I know the species name compared to the guy that is catching SMB off a knobby head? Not really because eventually I know he is using a central stone roller for bait. For the scientific guys that would be Campostoma anomalum.

Also when a person learns a scientific name he or she will also learn the common one and often the common name is used out doing field work. If we are collecting fish for stream assessments no one is going to yell Campostoma, Campostoma, Cottus, Etheostoma rufilineatum and so on.

[michealprater]

I prefer to try to learn and use both. Common names are great descriptions for non-aquarists, and scientific names are great to avoid confusion when on forums, buying or selling. The only thing I dont like about scientific names is sounding like an idiot when I mispronounce it! :)

[Creetin]

As it has already been pointed out, scientific names > common names. There is only one species name but there can be multiple common names and that is based on location. I have talked to people about native freshwater fish and they will throw out some really really off the wall name that only a local fisherman would know but eventually I could figure out the species name of the fish. Does it make me a “better” fish geek if I know the species name compared to the guy that is catching SMB off a knobby head? Not really because eventually I know he is using a central stone roller for bait. For the scientific guys that would be Campostoma anomalum.

Also when a person learns a scientific name he or she will also learn the common one and often the common name is used out doing field work. If we are collecting fish for stream assessments no one is going to yell Campostoma, Campostoma, Cottus, Etheostoma rufilineatum and so on.

Great points!!

[KafudaFish]

I prefer to try to learn and use both. Common names are great descriptions for non-aquarists, and scientific names are great to avoid confusion when on forums, buying or selling. The only thing I dont like about scientific names is sounding like an idiot when I mispronounce it! :)

Honestly if you get a group of scientists together there will be more than one way to say something.

Right now I am reading my 5 yo a book on dinosaurs and all of the names are the genera names. I will read it out loud 4 or 5 times because I want to be correct yet I feel like my tongue is tied to my teeth. All she says is, "Daddy read some more.":lmao:

Am I correct? I don't know I don't have a paleontologist sitting next to me saying no no it is a hard C.

[AquaticFins]

I'd prefer to use scientific names with two exceptions. The first is when guests come over, and they ask "what fish is that blue one over there?!".. I'm going to reply with the common name. I'd get very strange looks if I replied with the scientific :lol:

The second is in certain circumstances where there is one scientific name for a number of different morphs. Ex: Black and White clowns have the same scientific name as the Orange variety... (This is a rare occurrence though).. My 1/2 cent.

I'm in complete agreement with you on the first part.

As to the second, scientific nomenclature still has you covered!

Naturally occuring mutations and variations that are passed on to offspring get the tag "var." after them. Amphiprion ocellaris var. would be a black clown.

Man-made or created forms (cultivars) receive the tag "cv." The cultivar name enclosed in single quotes is also usually accepted. Amphiprion ocellaris cv. Picasso or Amphiprion ocellaris 'Picasso' are examples.

If multiple natural variations are recognised, they're listed. I can't think of a saltwater fish example, so I'll use a freshwater aquarium plant. Anubias barteri is the "base" plant. A smaller, dwarf version is found in Victoria, Cameroon - Anubias barteri var. nana. A nursery in Singapore created a variety with even smaller leaves - Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite' or Anubias barteri var. nana cv. Petite.

A mouthful, yes, but it works. :)

[Moos3]

Yeah? Wait until you have siblings and nephews referring to your xenia as "Clap grass" or your mushrooms as "buttholes"...you pine for some normality.

[michealprater]

Yeah? Wait until you have siblings and nephews referring to your xenia as "Clap grass" or your mushrooms as "buttholes"...you pine for some normality.

Omg! I don't care who you are...... That's funny!