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squirrelfish

squirrelfish

9.9
A small bright red fish with big eyes that lives near coral reefs
  • noun
  • /ˈskwɜːrəlˌfɪʃ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : pez ardilla
  • As the sun set over the ocean, schools of squirrelfish began to emerge, their vibrant colors shining in the fading light.

Examples

  • The diver spotted a squirrelfish hiding in the shadows of a coral formation, its large eyes scanning for predators.

  • And then this is our little soldier Squirrelfish that is representing other fish.

  • In the warm waters of the coral reef, the bright red and blue squirrelfish darted amongst the rocks.

Compounds

A fish found in the western Atlantic from South Carolina to Bermuda and the Gulf of Mexico

reef squirrelfish
  • Specialized
9.9

A bright red fish that lives in coral reefs and hides by day

Surface Forms

squirrelfish singular

Morphology

squirrelfish = squirrel + fish (semi-transparent) = squirrel + fish

The compound clearly denotes a type of fish (component 'fish' is transparent), but the specific species traits (bright colour, large eyes) are not predictable solely from 'squirrel' + 'fish'.

Etymology

The word squirrelfish is a compound of squirrel and fish, and a helpful way to remember it is that people thought its big eyes, red color, and quick, darting moves looked like a little 'squirrel' under the sea. So, the name fits a small, bright reef fish with large eyes.