The scientific name for the common roach fish is spelled "Rutilus Rutilus." This is pronounced as /ˈraɪtjᵿləs ˈraɪtjᵿləs/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is stressed and contains a long "i" sound. The second syllable contains a short "u" sound. The word "Rutilus" is derived from the Latin for "red," which references the fish's reddish-orange hue. The scientific name is standardized across languages and helps ensure accurate identification of the species.
Rutilus Rutilus, commonly known as the roach, is a type of freshwater fish native to Europe belonging to the Cyprinidae family. It is a small to medium-sized fish, typically reaching a length of about 10 to 30 centimeters (4 to 12 inches) and weighing between 50 to 200 grams (1.8 to 7.1 ounces). The body of Rutilus Rutilus is elongated and slightly compressed, with a silver or bronze-colored scale pattern covering its sides and back.
This species is predominantly found in slow-flowing rivers, lakes, and ponds with abundant vegetation. Roach is a schooling fish, often found in large groups near the water surface, especially during the summer months. It is an omnivorous species, feeding on a varied diet consisting of insects, worms, crustaceans, algae, and plant matter.
Roach are also renowned for their reproductive behavior. They spawn during the spring, usually in shallow areas with vegetation or near submerged trees. The male fish prepares a nest by creating a hollow in the gravel or sand bottom, where the female then deposits her eggs. Roach eggs are adhesive and stick to rocks or vegetation until they hatch, which typically occurs within a week.
Due to its abundance and popularity among anglers, Rutilus Rutilus is often caught for recreational fishing purposes. It is highly regarded as a sport fish, known for its lively fight and the challenge it poses to anglers. Furthermore, roach is considered a low-fat, tasty fish and is also utilized in commercial fisheries for its culinary value.
The word "Rutilus Rutilus" has its etymology rooted in Latin. It is actually the binomial scientific name for a species of fish known as the roach.
The genus name "Rutilus" is derived from the Latin word "rutilus", which means "golden" or "reddish". This name likely refers to the characteristic reddish or golden color of the fish.
The species name "Rutilus" is a repeat of the genus name, which is a common naming convention in taxonomy where the genus and species names are the same. This repetition is used to emphasize that the specific organism belongs to the particular genus.
Therefore, "Rutilus Rutilus" essentially means "golden roach" or "reddish roach" in Latin, highlighting the distinct coloration of this specific species of fish.