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Glite Dictionary
Malopterurus electricus

Malopterurus electricus

9.9
A catfish from African rivers that can give electric shocks
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Malopterurus electricus
  • The Malopterurus electricus is capable of delivering strong electric shocks to defend itself from predators.

Examples

  • Researchers studied the behavior of Malopterurus electricus in the freshwater habitats of central Africa.

  • In the Nile, the Malopterurus electricus can deliver a painful shock.

  • Aquariums housing a Malopterurus electricus must be specially equipped due to its electric organ.

  • The Malopterurus electricus is known for its unique electric organ.

  • Aquariums housing a Malopterurus electricus must be specially equipped due to its electric organ.

  • Researchers studied the behavior of Malopterurus electricus in the freshwater habitats of central Africa.

  • The Malopterurus electricus is capable of delivering strong electric shocks to defend itself from predators.

Synonyms

electric catfish
vsMalopterurus electricus
  • South African
8.0

A freshwater fish from African rivers that makes electric shocks

is the scientific name used for the same species in biology

Surface Forms

Malopterurus electricus singular
Malopterurus electrici plural

Morphology

Malopterurus + electricus

The specific epithet 'electricus' transparently suggests an electric quality (similar to English 'electric'), so a learner can infer this is a species associated with electricity; however 'Malopterurus' is a technical genus name with no transparent common-word meaning. Because the full biological details (freshwater catfish, Nile distribution, electric organ) are specialized and not derivable from the genus name alone, the expression is only partially predictable to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Malopterurus electricus is the name of a freshwater African catfish that has a special 'electric organ'. The second part, electricus, points to its power to give strong 'electric shocks' to defend itself, so the name helps you remember that this fish can shock predators.