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Belonidae

Belonidae

9.9
A group of long, thin fish with long jaws that hunt near the sea surface in warm seas
  • noun
  • /bɛˈloʊnɪˌdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: Belonidae
  • Species within the Belonidae family are often known as needlefish due to their shape.

Examples

  • The Belonidae family includes several species of needlefish.

  • Species within the Belonidae family are often known as needlefish due to their long, slender bodies.

  • Scientists studied the jaw structure of Belonidae to better understand their hunting techniques.

  • The Belonidae are commonly found near the surface of tropical and subtropical seas.

  • Did you know that Belonidae are often found in tropical waters?

  • Scientists studied the jaw structure of Belonidae to better understand their hunting techniques.

  • The Belonidae are commonly found near the surface of warm tropical and subtropical seas.

Surface Forms

Belonidae singular
Belonidae plural

Morphology

Belonidae = Belone (opaque) = belon + idae

The name is formed with the specialized scientific family suffix '-idae' from the genus Belone, a formation that is not obvious to general English learners.

Etymology

The word Belonidae comes from the Greek word belone, meaning 'needle', plus the scientific ending -idae, which shows an animal 'family'. These fish are long and thin like needles, so the name helps you remember they are the needlefish family.