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Glite Dictionary
🐟 A bright reef fish 🦶 A spa fish
doctor-fish

doctor-fish

9.4
A brightly colored tropical fish with sharp spines found in the Caribbean
  • noun
  • /ˈdɑktər fɪʃ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : pez doctor
  • The doctor-fish uses its sharp spines for protection from predators.

Examples

  • A school of doctor-fish swam past the coral reef, displaying vivid blue stripes.

  • Many divers in the Caribbean are fascinated by the brightly colored doctor-fish.

  • The doctor-fish is known for its vibrant colors.

  • Have you ever seen a doctor-fish in the ocean?

  • A school of doctor-fish swam gracefully through the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean.

  • In the vibrant coral reefs, the colorful doctor-fish can often be seen darting among the corals.

  • The doctor-fish is easily recognized by its bright yellow and blue colors, making it a favorite among snorkelers.

Synonyms

doctorfish
vsdoctor-fish
  • Specialized
9.6

A sea fish found in the West Indies with sharp spines near its tail

is the same meaning but written with a hyphen
Acanthurus chirurgus
vsdoctor-fish
  • Specialized
9.9

A tropical reef fish with a sharp spine on each side of its tail

is the common name stressing bright coloration rather than formal species label
surgeonfish
vsdoctor-fish
8.8

A brightly colored tropical fish with sharp spines on its tail that lives near coral reefs

is the local West Indies form known for bright color and specific range

Surface Forms

doctor-fish singular
doctor-fishes plural

Morphology

doctor-fish = doctor + fish (semi-transparent) = doctor + fish

The parts 'doctor' and 'fish' are recognizable, but the name refers to a particular surgeonfish species and does not transparently convey its specific biological traits to a general learner.

Etymology

Doctor-fish names a reef fish with sharp side spines that look like a small 'scalpel'. The doctor part links to 'surgeon', so the name points to the fish's sharp 'tool' used for protection.