What is the “Lo” in Foxface Lo?

[Formulator]

I’ve searched google and even asked ChatGPT, who basically said we hobbyists made it up... I understand it is used to distinguish from the one-spot foxface, but why “Lo”? Etymology anyone?

 

[JoJosReef]

I’ve searched google and even asked ChatGPT, who basically said we hobbyists made it up... I understand it is used to distinguish from the one-spot foxface, but why “Lo”? Etymology anyone?

@Slocke has one and has an interest in etymology.

 

[tbrown]

To start, there’s sometimes a bit of confusion about the rabbitfishes’ names due to the fact that five of the Siganus species used to be placed in the genus Lo. The latter is no longer a separate genus though, and is instead considered to be a sub-genus within Siganus. These five species are Siganus magnificus, S. niger, S. vulpinus, S. unimaculatus, and S. uspi, but you can still find them being called Lo magnificus, etc. from time to time.

Aquarium Fish: Fishes of the Genus Siganus: The Rabbitfishes

I'll provide you information about the genus Siganus as a whole, the Rabbitfish species commonly offered in the hobby, and how to take good care of them.

reefs.com

 

[tbrown]

They used to be in the Genus Lo... Now Lo is a subgenus apparently.

 

[Formulator]

Thanks! Simpler explanation than I expected, but I’ll take it!