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Glite Dictionary
family Chaetodontidae

family Chaetodontidae

8.9
A group of bright tropical sea fish like butterflyfish
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli ˌkeɪtɒnˈdɪdeɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia Chaetodontidae
  • The family Chaetodontidae includes more than 120 species of butterflyfishes found in tropical seas.

Examples

  • Marine biologists study the family Chaetodontidae to understand reef fish diversity.

  • Coral reefs are home to many colorful members of the family Chaetodontidae.

  • The family Chaetodontidae includes many species of butterflyfishes.

  • A family Chaetodontidae is often seen in coral reefs.

  • Coral reefs are home to many colorful members of the family Chaetodontidae.

  • Marine biologists study the family Chaetodontidae to understand reef fish diversity.

  • The family Chaetodontidae includes more than 120 species of butterflyfishes found in tropical seas.

Synonyms

Chaetodontidae
vsfamily Chaetodontidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of bright, small fish that live on coral reefs, like butterflyfish

is the same family but stresses the common name instead

Surface Forms

family Chaetodontidae singular
families Chaetodontidae plural

Morphology

family + Chaetodontidae

The phrase combines the noun 'family' (a scientific grouping) with a taxonomic name 'Chaetodontidae', so its meaning — the taxonomic family called Chaetodontidae, i.e. butterflyfishes — is directly derivable from the constituents. This kind of taxonomic naming pattern is compositional and cross-linguistically regular, making it immediately understandable to a learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Family Chaetodontidae may come from Greek parts chaeto meaning 'hair' and dont meaning 'tooth', because these fishes have small, brush-like teeth. That's why the name is used for the group of bright, tropical 'butterflyfish'.