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Glite Dictionary
Decapterus macarellus

Decapterus macarellus

9.9
A small silvery mackerel-like fish found in the western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Brazil
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : macarela
  • The Decapterus macarellus is an important catch for local fisheries along the Brazilian coast.

Examples

  • You can find Decapterus macarellus in shallow waters during certain times of the year.

  • The Decapterus macarellus is known for its silvery appearance.

  • Researchers studied the migratory patterns of Decapterus macarellus in the western Atlantic.

  • Have you ever seen a Decapterus macarellus in the wild?

  • Researchers studied the migratory patterns of Decapterus macarellus along the Brazilian coast.

  • The Decapterus macarellus is often found in shallow waters off the Atlantic coast.

  • Many local fishermen rely on the catch of Decapterus macarellus to support their livelihoods.

Synonyms

mackerel scad
vsDecapterus macarellus
  • Specialized
9.5

A small silvery sea fish often eaten or used as bait

is a family-level description lacking species identity and use information
mackerel shad
vsDecapterus macarellus
  • Specialized
7.9

A small silvery fish that lives along the western Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia to Brazil

is taxonomically specific, stating its family rather than only its range

Surface Forms

Decapterus macarellus singular
Decapterus macarelluses plural

Morphology

Decapterus + macarellus

This is a scientific binomial (genus + specific epithet): knowing 'Decapterus' as a genus of fish and the naming pattern would allow a learner to infer this is a species of Decapterus (i.e., a kind of fish). However, the specific epithet 'macarellus' is not a common English word and does not transparently convey the detailed sense 'small silvery jack mackerel', so full meaning requires domain knowledge or knowledge of the Latin/root 'mackerel'.

Etymology

Decapterus macarellus has a scientific name that may come from two parts: Decapterus and macarellus, with the second part meaning 'little mackerel'. The name fits the animal because it is a small, silvery fish like a tiny mackerel found in the Atlantic, so the name helps you remember what kind of fish it is.