Common names can overlap
Names such as polka dot, black and white or pyjama can describe more than one animal.
Common names vary between dive guides, countries and websites. Scientific names give divers and photographers a shared language.
How a scientific name works
Chromodoris willani
Genus
Chromodoris
The broader group. Think of it as the family name.
Species
willani
The individual species within that group.
Scientific names travel well
A scientific name can be understood by divers, photographers and researchers around the world.
Photos still matter
Correct identification also depends on body shape, colour pattern, rhinophores, gills and location.
Common Name vs Scientific Name
Shaun the Sheep
Costasiella species
Chamberlain's Nembrotha
Nembrotha chamberlaini
Spanish Dancer
Hexabranchus sanguineus
Back to Nudibranchs
Return to the Nudibranchs Academy section to explore anatomy, behaviour, identification, life cycles, food sources and hotspots.
Return to Nudibranchs