flagfish

9.4

A small fish with a dark blue back, pale sides and red stripes that lives in Florida swamps and streams

noun
/ˈflæɡˌfɪʃ/

: pez bandera

We spotted a group of flagfish swimming in a shallow Florida stream.

Examples

The colorful flagfish is a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts.
He studied the distinctive markings on a flagfish during his field research.
The flagfish is a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts.
Many flagfishes are found in the wetlands of Florida.
The colorful flagfish is a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts.
We spotted a group of flagfish swimming in a shallow Florida stream.
He studied the distinctive markings on a flagfish during his field research.

Synonyms

Jordanella floridae

vsflagfish

Specialized

9.9

A small colorful freshwater fish from Florida swamps and streams

is the descriptive common name rather than the Latin form

American flagfish

vsflagfish

Specialized

8.0

A small freshwater fish from the eastern United States with a blue back and white sides marked with red stripes

describes appearance and habitat without regional naming

Jordanella

vsflagfish

Specialized

9.9

A small North American freshwater fish often kept in aquariums called a flagfish

identifies one particular species rather than the broader genus

Compounds

American flagfish

Specialized

8.0

A small freshwater fish from the eastern United States with a blue back and white sides marked with red stripes

Surface Forms

flagfish singular

flagfishes plural

Morphology

flagfish = flag + fish (transparent) = flag + fish

The word is a straightforward compound of 'flag' + 'fish', indicating a fish characterized by flag-like markings; learners familiar with both components can infer it denotes a type of fish.

Etymology

The word flagfish joins flag ('banner') and fish because this small fish has bright red stripes and a noticeable fin that look like a little flag. So it is named for those flag-like markings.