pilotfish
8.8
A small sea fish that swims beside sharks or boats
- noun
- /ˈpaɪlətˌfɪʃ/
- Specialized
:
pez piloto
- While sailing, we spotted a pilotfish swimming close to the side of our boat.
Examples
-
In the ocean, a school of pilotfish followed the manta ray as it glided through the water.
-
I forgot my pilotfish at home today.
-
The pilotfish swam gracefully beside the large shark, enjoying the protection it provided.
Synonyms
9.9
A small striped fish that often swims near sharks or manta rays
is the common name for the same species rather than the scientific form
Surface Forms
pilotfish singular
pilotfishes plural
Morphology
Etymology
Pilotfish is a simple compound of pilot 'guide' and fish, named because sailors saw these small fish swimming near ships or beside large animals as if they were guiding them. So a pilotfish often swims beside sharks, mantas, or boats, acting like a little 'guide' or companion.
