Definition
'Rutilus rutilus' is the scientific name for the common roach. This name precisely identifies this specific species of freshwater fish. Scientific names are important because they are universally recognized, avoiding confusion caused by common names. The 'Rutilus' part refers to the genus, while the repeated 'rutilus' indicates the species. Think of it as the fish's full name in the scientific world. It allows scientists across the globe to communicate accurately about the same organism.