Osmerus
9.9
A name used by scientists for a group of small silver fish that live in cold northern waters
- proper noun
- Specialized
:
Osmerus
- Invasive species. Lakes in the NHLD have been invaded by species such as rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) and rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus).
Examples
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Osmerus is a genus of small fish commonly known as smelts, which thrive in cold northern waters.
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Fishermen rely on Osmerus for their livelihoods as these fish are vital to the local fisheries.
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In cold rivers and lakes, you can often find Osmerus swimming near the surface.
Synonyms
smelt
vsOsmerus
6
5.8
A small silvery fish that moves between sea and rivers to lay eggs
is the scientific genus term for the same fish group
Compounds
Osmerus mordax
- Specialized
9.9
A small fish that lives in fresh and salt water in eastern North America and Alaska that people eat
Surface Forms
Osmerus main
Etymology
The name Osmerus is the scientific name for a group of smelt fish and comes from the Greek root osme meaning 'smell'. Because these smelts have a notable scent, remembering 'smell' links the name to these small fish found in cold northern waters.