Malacanthidae

9.9

A group of sea fish often with bright colors and short heads, like tilefish

noun
/ˌmæl.əˈkæn.θɪ.di/

Specialized

: Malacanthidae

The Malacanthidae family includes many brightly colored fish.

Examples

Several members of the Malacanthidae are prized in aquarium collections for their striking coloration.
Researchers discovered a new species within the Malacanthidae family off the coast of Indonesia.
The distinctive jaw shape helps experts identify a fish as part of Malacanthidae.
Did you know that Malacanthidae are often found in coral reefs?
Researchers discovered a new species within the Malacanthidae family off the coast of Indonesia.
Several members of the Malacanthidae are prized in aquarium collections for their striking coloration.
The distinctive jaw shape helps experts identify a fish as part of Malacanthidae.

Synonyms

tilefish

vsMalacanthidae

1 7.9

A deep sea fish often eaten as food

is a broader family grouping containing related species rather than one type

Surface Forms

Malacanthidae singular

Malacanthidae plural

Morphology

Malacanthidae = Malacanthus (opaque) = Malacanth + idae

Formed by adding the scientific family suffix '-idae' to a genus name (Malacanthus); knowing this requires specialized taxonomic knowledge so it is not predictable for an average B1 learner.

Etymology

The word Malacanthidae comes from the Greek parts malakos ('soft') and akantha ('spine' or 'thorn'). So, it means 'soft-spined' — a handy image for this family of marine fish, the tilefishes, which often have short spines and smoother heads, helping you remember the name.