I wasn't aware of the connection with the band - thanks for the info! Still, people are bound to associate "mastodon" first and foremost with the critter.

Either way, back in 2008 I bet people were making fun of Twitter for being named after bird sounds, so.

I don't remember but you're likely correct. There's a difference though - Twitter didn't need to capitalise on every single tiny advantage, Mastodon does it, and while the role of branding might be small it still gives you (or your competitors) some edge.