Monster Hunter has very distinct designs for one. For another, you kind of have to pay really close attention to the monsters for extended periods of time to not end up an unrecognizable stain on the nearest flat surface. You WILL learn the names of monsters just as well as you learn their dental history.

As per the notes, the monster villagers are: Yian Kut-Ku, Rathalos, Rathian, Khezu, Brachydios, Nargacuga, Savage Deviljho, Tigrex, and Barioth. The fish is a Plesioth. The bug is a Seltas.