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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
: 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

surgeonfish
vsdoctor-fish
1 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
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

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.