Ostraciidae

9.9

A family of small tropical sea fish with box-shaped bodies and hard bony shells

noun
/ˌɒstrəˈsiːəˌdiː/

Specialized

: Ostraciidae

Members of the Ostraciidae family are easily recognized by their box-like bodies and bright coloration.

Examples

Marine biologists often study Ostraciidae to understand the evolutionary advantages of their protective armor.
Aquariums sometimes showcase Ostraciidae because of their unique shape and fascinating appearance.
The Ostraciidae family includes many colorful species.
Have you ever seen an Ostraciidae in the wild?
Aquariums sometimes showcase Ostraciidae because of their unique shape and fascinating appearance.
Members of the Ostraciidae family are easily recognized by their box-like bodies and bright coloration.
Marine biologists often study Ostraciidae to understand the evolutionary advantages of their protective armor.

Synonyms

family Ostraciidae

vsOstraciidae

Specialized

9.6

A group of small sea fish with a hard, box-like body

is the same meaning but written as a family name phrase

family Ostraciontidae

vsOstraciidae

Specialized

9.9

Sea fish with a hard bony plate covering most of their body that makes them box-shaped

is the accepted family name rather than that alternative form

Compounds

family Ostraciidae

Specialized

9.6

A group of small sea fish with a hard, box-like body

Surface Forms

Ostraciidae singular

Ostraciids plural

Morphology

Ostraciidae = Ostracion (opaque) = ostraci + idae

This is a scientific taxonomic formation (stem + the specialized family suffix '-idae') requiring domain knowledge; an average B1 learner cannot derive its meaning from the parts.

Etymology

The word Ostraciidae comes from the Greek root ostrakon, which means 'shell', and the family ending -idae, which shows it is a group of animals. These fishes have hard, box-like bodies like small shells, so the name helps you remember their shell-like, armored shape.