Author Topic: Scientific Names versus Common Names  (Read 6258 times)

Offline GrizzlysDad

  • aka "Mr. Bacon"
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2891
    • White Lake, MI
Scientific Names versus Common Names
« on: January 31, 2013, 04:44:36 PM »
Here's why it is important to learn the scientific names opposed to relying on common names for many of the fish we keep in our tanks. The scientific name is assigned to that specific genus and specie of fish, whereas a "common name" (or "trade name") is variable and subject to local differences. Unfortunately, even the scientific names are sometimes being changed by the Ichthyologists and other science experts.
What I have always tried to learn is the current Latin name and any former Latin name as well as the common name.
However, the common name can have subtle differences, or be totally different, depending on "who" came up with the common name. I try to stick with any common name that originated by the describing collector, not what some wholesaler has tried to spin a fancy name in order to sell fish. I also try to learn, and keep track of, the collection location for a specific fish for breeding purposes.

A recent question was posted on the forum: "is a Yellow Blaze the same thing as a Sulfer head ?"
There were several replies that were, IMHO incomplete, but so is the original question (no offense intended).

~Sulfur Head is not exclusively meant towards an Aulonocara maylandi. The Protomelas spilonotus from Mara Rocks is also known as "Sulfur Head".
Also, a Yellow Blaze does not necessarily mean the O. lithobates since there is a Cynotilapia afra variant that is commonly called Yellow Blaze.
« Last Edit: January 31, 2013, 04:51:58 PM by GrizzlysDad »
Grizzly Bear 2001-2012
"The Best Dog Ever"
Rest In Peace

Offline Ron

  • African Cichlid Aficionado
  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2739
    • Howell, MI
Re: Scientific Names versus Common Names
« Reply #1 on: January 31, 2013, 05:42:30 PM »
It's nice to see this topic get it's own thread. If it's cool to add on, a brief summary ...

A "common name" gives you an indication of what the fish might actually be.

A "scientific name" tells you exactly what fish it is.

... If you've got time Tony, perhaps a good follow-on would be how scientific names can change over time as species are reclassified (ex: "Hapolochromis")?
« Last Edit: January 31, 2013, 05:45:13 PM by Ron »
"All men are equal before fish."
- Herbert Hoover
Planted 100 Gallon Tank
550 Gallon Hap Tank

Offline JeffroM

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1165
    • Commerce, MI
Re: Scientific Names versus Common Names
« Reply #2 on: January 31, 2013, 10:44:49 PM »
and don't try to be all PC about it.
I think Tony is a MAC.   ;D
I used to be a people person... but people ruined that for me.

Offline Maize-N-Blue-D

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 878
  • 48096
    • 48096 Romeo
Re: Scientific Names versus Common Names
« Reply #3 on: January 31, 2013, 10:49:58 PM »
Now that was funny ! :-X :-X :-X
"If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking" - GENERAL GEORGE S. PATTON, JR.

Offline danielratti

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1772
    • Midland
Re: Scientific Names versus Common Names
« Reply #4 on: January 31, 2013, 10:50:51 PM »
Oh I get it, your the "fish guy" that knows everything about everything and will sit back reading post and constantly correct people!  NO OFFENSE !  Its just like "softball guy" who goes out and plays every game as if he is in the major leagues.  Or how about "one up guy" who always seems to have the better deal.  Now don't get me wrong I appreciate when someone is more knowledgeable than I am,  I usually try to heed good advice.  But to take the time to write a response and then say no offense,  well then you should understand that most people would absolutely take offense to that. 

So in closing, the next time you feel the urge to reply to a post,  just say what you feel and don't try to be all PC about it.

Why get pissed off over nothing. You may think 90% was directed at you and it was not attended to. While have a conversation with  Ron he even brought this up how people use the improper names for fish.

What he was getting at is how it is important for you to learn these things due to the fact that so many fish share the same common name. So this was only posted to make it easier for people to help with the question. You could of been talking about the mbuna species and we could give you info on the Lithobates and you would of been misinformed and mad. The names also change as they reclassify fish or discover different fish. This is the same with Saltwater. Someone can come in and tell me they are looking for a pseudochroms and there are so many different ones that are classified under that name.

Offline Regalblue

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5971
    • Livonia
    • MCA
Re: Scientific Names versus Common Names
« Reply #5 on: January 31, 2013, 11:02:10 PM »
Well since we're talking P. Spilonotus ... How about another common name it's called?  Magunga,  which could be confused with Magunga Red.  But, then you could confuse Magunga Red with a Mpanga Red,  which is a Labeotropheus Trewavasae variant, which you could buy a Fulbornei instead because they look similar,  then you could end up with OB females & buy OB Zebra males to breed with them & then you see some OB Peacocks..."Wtf,  those look like what my husband has at home" so you end up with OB peacocks breeding with OB zebras & Labeotropheus.  Or so you think they were OB peacocks,  but they'rerreally OB Ahli,  because the Walmart employees don't care.

Have a headache yet?  Understand? :P

Offline danielratti

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1772
    • Midland
Re: Scientific Names versus Common Names
« Reply #6 on: January 31, 2013, 11:07:15 PM »
Well since we're talking P. Spilonotus ... How about another common name it's called?  Magunga,  which could be confused with Magunga Red.  But, then you could confuse Magunga Red with a Mpanga Red,  which is a Labeotropheus Trewavasae variant, which you could buy a Fulbornei instead because they look similar,  then you could end up with OB females & buy OB Zebra males to breed with them & then you see some OB Peacocks..."Wtf,  those look like what my husband has at home" so you end up with OB peacocks breeding with OB zebras & Labeotropheus.  Or so you think they were OB peacocks,  but they'rerreally OB Ahli,  because the Walmart employees don't care.

Have a headache yet?  Understand? :P

I am starting to think it is you that calls me twice a week about bring in a fish you thought was another kind that crossed with a fish in your tank and the babies crossed with other fish and they new.babies are.really mean.

Offline Regalblue

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5971
    • Livonia
    • MCA
Re: Scientific Names versus Common Names
« Reply #7 on: January 31, 2013, 11:11:01 PM »
Well since we're talking P. Spilonotus ... How about another common name it's called?  Magunga,  which could be confused with Magunga Red.  But, then you could confuse Magunga Red with a Mpanga Red,  which is a Labeotropheus Trewavasae variant, which you could buy a Fulbornei instead because they look similar,  then you could end up with OB females & buy OB Zebra males to breed with them & then you see some OB Peacocks..."Wtf,  those look like what my husband has at home" so you end up with OB peacocks breeding with OB zebras & Labeotropheus.  Or so you think they were OB peacocks,  but they'rerreally OB Ahli,  because the Walmart employees don't care.

Have a headache yet?  Understand? :P

I am starting to think it is you that calls me twice a week about bring in a fish you thought was another kind that crossed with a fish in your tank and the babies crossed with other fish and they new.babies are.really mean.
Yep... you need to buy my OB Metrachlimidia Henzei,  you'll make millions!  No?  Why not they're very pretty!  Just mean, Lol!

Offline danielratti

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1772
    • Midland
Re: Scientific Names versus Common Names
« Reply #8 on: January 31, 2013, 11:14:52 PM »
Yeah after the first week my head stopped hurting

Offline Marty

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1855
    • Macomb zip 48044
Re: Scientific Names versus Common Names
« Reply #9 on: January 31, 2013, 11:28:53 PM »
Oh I get it, your the "fish guy" that knows everything about everything and will sit back reading post and constantly correct people!  NO OFFENSE !  Its just like "softball guy" who goes out and plays every game as if he is in the major leagues.  Or how about "one up guy" who always seems to have the better deal.  Now don't get me wrong I appreciate when someone is more knowledgeable than I am,  I usually try to heed good advice.  But to take the time to write a response and then say no offense,  well then you should understand that most people would absolutely take offense to that. 

So in closing, the next time you feel the urge to reply to a post,  just say what you feel and don't try to be all PC about it.

Uh, you should just shut your mouth and learn.  Was that blunt enough for you?

Offline Maize-N-Blue-D

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 878
  • 48096
    • 48096 Romeo
Re: Scientific Names versus Common Names
« Reply #10 on: February 01, 2013, 12:00:18 AM »
OK I deserved that, I let my emotions get the best of me !  If we were at a bar,  i'd be buying you all a drink right now !   :-[ :-[ :-[

As Patton once said,  OK I'll drink to that - From one SOB to another !
« Last Edit: February 01, 2013, 06:16:29 AM by dkoch62 »
"If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking" - GENERAL GEORGE S. PATTON, JR.

Offline Marty

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1855
    • Macomb zip 48044
Re: Scientific Names versus Common Names
« Reply #11 on: February 01, 2013, 12:11:29 AM »
Tony (grizzlysdad) is probably one of the most knowledgeable and helpful people on this board.  Trust me when I say he started that thread to help anyone on the board that might not know the difference between trade names and scientific names and how helpful it is to know that there are Latin names out there to identify fish as opposed to Electric Yellows or Electric Blues.  When he said "no offense" he meant it, he wasn't being patronizing.

He also probably wouldn't turn down a free drink either  ;D

Offline mightieskeeper

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 575
  • Fish are Tasty
    • Flint, Mi 48507
    • Saltwater Reefs
Re: Scientific Names versus Common Names
« Reply #12 on: February 01, 2013, 02:05:18 AM »
I would take a cold one with tony!
"We’re nothing but the walking dead in Flint." CHRISTINE BROWN

Offline Regalblue

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5971
    • Livonia
    • MCA
Re: Scientific Names versus Common Names
« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2013, 03:10:25 AM »
Oh I get it, your the "fish guy" that knows everything about everything and will sit back reading post and constantly correct people!  NO OFFENSE !  Its just like "softball guy" who goes out and plays every game as if he is in the major leagues.  Or how about "one up guy" who always seems to have the better deal.  Now don't get me wrong I appreciate when someone is more knowledgeable than I am,  I usually try to heed good advice.  But to take the time to write a response and then say no offense,  well then you should understand that most people would absolutely take offense to that. 

So in closing, the next time you feel the urge to reply to a post,  just say what you feel and don't try to be all PC about it.

Uh, you should just shut your mouth and learn.  Was that blunt enough for you?
Damn!  Somebody's gonna get benched. :P

Offline Super Turtleman

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1141
  • Turtlemeister
    • Grayling, MI 49738
Re: Scientific Names versus Common Names
« Reply #14 on: February 01, 2013, 03:31:16 AM »
Do be do be doooo...  8)
Emil
Turtleman Cichlids
Facebook
YouTube