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Glite Dictionary
genus Serrasalmus

genus Serrasalmus

9.7
A group of freshwater fish like piranhas that live in South American rivers
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈsɛrəˌsɑlməs/
  • Specialized
: género Serrasalmus
  • Researchers discovered a new species belonging to the genus Serrasalmus in the Amazon basin.

Examples

  • Members of the genus Serrasalmus are noted for their sharp teeth and aggressive feeding behavior.

  • The genus Serrasalmus includes several species of piranhas.

  • The genus Serrasalmus includes some of the most well-known species of piranhas.

  • Did you know that the genus Serrasalmus is found in the Amazon River?

  • The genus Serrasalmus consists of carnivorous fish that can be found in many South American rivers.

  • Scientists are studying the genus Serrasalmus to understand its ecological role in freshwater ecosystems.

  • Fish from the genus Serrasalmus are popular in aquariums due to their unique appearance and behavior.

Synonyms

piranha
vsgenus Serrasalmus
26 5.5

A small fish in South American rivers with sharp teeth that eats meat and can attack animals

is the general common name not the specific scientific genus
Serrasalmus
vsgenus Serrasalmus
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A type of South American freshwater fish like a piranha with sharp teeth

is the same scientific name but shown with a genus label
pirana
vsgenus Serrasalmus
  • US
1 8.2

A small aggressive river fish from South America that eats other animals

is similar but less formal and used as a common label rather than scientific

Surface Forms

genus Serrasalmus singular
genera Serrasalmus plural

Morphology

genus + Serrasalmus

The phrase directly combines the taxonomic noun 'genus' with the proper name 'Serrasalmus', so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it refers to the genus-level group of those fish. This compositional, scientific naming pattern (genus + name) is regular in English and cross-linguistically common, making the meaning transparent to learners who know the parts.

Etymology

Genus Serrasalmus may come from the Latin words serra meaning 'saw' and salmus meaning 'salmon-like fish'. The name gives a clear image of a saw-toothed fish, so it fits the sharp-toothed piranhas in this group.