Page 1 of 1
etymology of term "corydoras"?
Posted: 09 Apr 2003, 23:45
by maryb
Hello,
I enjoy my corys in 45 gal planted tank so much that I am about to name a 30 foot sail boat for them. However, thought I should check the etymology of the word, just in case .....
Many thanks
Mary
Posted: 10 Apr 2003, 00:51
by Silurus
<i>Corydoras</i> comes from the Greek <i>korys</i>, meaning helmet and <i>doras</i>, meaning skin.
Posted: 10 Apr 2003, 10:22
by Sid Guppy
Skin??
I thought 'doras' means spear or spine; wich means "corydoras" means with "helmet and spear"; referring o one of the old Greek spearfighters that have those helmets wich completely cover the head and face (except for a T-shaped look-through visor) and a long wooden spear with a foot of steel at the pointy end.....
But my latin-book might be wrong?
Doesn't Doradidae means "spiny ones"?
Posted: 10 Apr 2003, 14:10
by Silurus
<i>Doras</i> means skin in Greek, as in <i>Aspidoras</i> (<i>aspis</i>=shield and <i>doras</i>=skin). What you are thinking of is the Greek <i>doratos</i> or <i>dorys</i>, meaning spear.
I checked Lacepede, and the etymology of <i>Corydoras</i> as he intended is as I have stated. Only he stated it incorrectly as armor (cuirasse) instead of skin.