Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Salpidae

Salpidae

9.9
A family of small transparent sea animals called salps that float in the open ocean
  • noun
  • /sælˈpaɪdiː/
  • Specialized
: Salpidae
  • Scientists collected several specimens from the Salpidae family during the marine expedition.

Examples

  • The transparent bodies of Salpidae allow them to blend into their pelagic environment.

  • The Salpidae family includes various species of salps.

  • Members of Salpidae play an essential role in oceanic food webs.

  • Have you ever seen a Salpidae in the ocean?

  • Members of Salpidae are crucial for maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.

  • During the ocean survey, researchers documented the behavior of Salpidae in their natural habitat.

  • The unique feeding mechanism of Salpidae helps to filter and consume phytoplankton in the sea.

Surface Forms

Salpidae singular
Salpidaes plural

Morphology

Salpidae = Salpa (opaque) = salp + idae

The suffix '-idae' is a specialized taxonomic marker meaning 'family' and is not a productive or familiar suffix for average learners.

Etymology

Salpidae comes from the small sea creature name salp, from Greek salpa meaning 'sea animal', plus the ending -idae meaning 'family' used for groups of related animals. So Salpidae is the family of those free-floating, often transparent salps found in the ocean.