I hate "common" names!

[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.