How Many Names....

[AncientMariner]

Why do some fish have different names?

I have just bought a Leptobarbus Hoeveni - It was sold as a 'Pink Tailed Shark' also known as a Maroon Shark, Sultan fish & Ikan Jelawat.

Why??

 

[BigC]

This is exactly why the scientific nomaclature system was developed.
Scientific or latin names are essential so as fanciers from different countries can understand what species they are dealing/talking about. It was devised by a Swedish scientist named Carl Linné. Every organism weather it be plant or animal has been classified acording to this system. Since I am interested in killifish I will explain in those terms.(but it holds true for whatever species you use.
The first word in the name is capalised and denotes the Genus of the organism, the second word which is in lowercase indicates the species. The species can be subdivided again, and the third word signifies the subspecies. Finally there is the location which is capatilised;


Fundulopanchax - gardneri - nigerianum - Misaje

Common names are often varied and misleading.

 

[CFC]

Leptobarbus hoevenii is also known as the red finned cigar shark, thank god for scientific names.

 

[AncientMariner]

Thanks guys!

CFC - I see you keep some Purple Spotted Gudgeon (Northern I take it?)

Saw some today, they where in the same tank as my Maroon/Fag Fish!!

Any info on them appreciated as I really liked the look of them...

 

[CFC]

Nope, mine are the southern species Morgurnda adspersa but they are near on identical apart from a slightly pointer head than the northern and have rows of spots on both the anal and dorsal fins. There's some info here http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=34250