[Prionace]

Hi,
I desider to know why in english language some sharks names are given creating confusion about the translation in other languages.

For example: Carcharhinus leucas = bull shark (while in other languages the term "bull shark" is referred, make think to Carcharias taurus) .

I know the names are given to describe fisic sharks elements but perhaps it will be better to refer the name of the shark to the scientific name more possible..

What do you think about it?

Thanks for the attention.
Marco.

[i_r_e_d]

Prionace,

I have no idea why we can’t name sharks according to their Latin name, I come from a Spanish speaking family so the transition wouldn’t be devastating. I believe that, for most Americans without a major interest in Biology, Latin names are difficult to remember and to pronounce.

But what do I know…
-Danny

[Prionace]

i_r_e_d wrote: "..I believe that, for most Americans without a major interest in Biology, Latin names are difficult to remember and to pronounce.."

Hi,
surely latin names are difficult, but I refer about the english names given (in this case to sharks).

In fact the Carcharhinus leucas is translated in english "bull shark" while I think that this name is the best for the Carcharias taurus (in latin taurus=bull) not creating confusion with the translation in all the other languages of the world..

Best regards
Marco

[i_r_e_d]

Marco,

Again, I agree with you. I believe that the English language is one of the most difficult to learn because of its inconsistent rules and lack of a major pattern. Carcharias taurus makes perfect sense to me, but for some reason I guess they just decided to mess things up just for the fun of it? I know that out there somewhere… There are 3 Biologists laughing at our misery over these words…

-Danny

[Endangered]

I love latin/scientific names, however in English the common name is rarely based on the scientific. I think it is that way because so many scientific names would be rather tedious to put into English..take birds for example, their latin names are rarely something simple like "bull shark" or "white shark".

Also you have to consider that in many cases the common name has had many centuries of use and would be difficult to change.

[firechild]

A common name is simply that…common. They vary depending on region and as mentioned, have nothing to with the scientific name in most cases. The bull shark was named by German biologists (Müller and Henle) so they would not have considered any english common names.

[Blacky11]

Angular Angel Shark has the Latin name Squatina Guggenheim, what do you think about this?)

[Author]

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