Hexagrammidae

9.9

A family of sea fish like greenlings that live in the North Pacific

noun
/ˌhɛksəˈɡræmɪˌdeɪ/

Specialized

: Hexagrammidae

The Hexagrammidae are native to the cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean.

Examples

Many fishermen prize members of the Hexagrammidae family, particularly the greenling, for their delicate flesh.
Researchers studied various species within the Hexagrammidae to understand their ecological roles.
The Hexagrammidae family includes various species of greenlings.
Many fishermen target Hexagrammidae during their trips.
Many fishermen prize members of the Hexagrammidae family, particularly the greenling, for their delicate flesh.
Researchers studied various species within the Hexagrammidae to understand their ecological roles.
The Hexagrammidae are native to the cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean.

Surface Forms

Hexagrammidae singular

Hexagrammidaes plural

Morphology

Hexagrammidae = Hexagrammus (opaque) = Hexagrammus + idae

This is a scientific taxonomic formation (genus name + zoological family suffix '-idae'); knowledge of biological nomenclature and the stem change (Hexagrammus -> Hexagramm-) is required for clear understanding by learners.

Etymology

The word Hexagrammidae starts with Greek parts: hex- meaning 'six' and -gramma meaning 'line' or 'mark', as in the common word hexagram 'a six-pointed figure'. The ending -idae is a scientific way to say 'family', so a helpful way to remember Hexagrammidae is 'the family of six-lined or six-marked fish', which fits these North Pacific greenlings.