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Glite Dictionary
cardinalfish

cardinalfish

1 8.7
A small red tropical fish that lives in coral reefs and near the shore
  • noun
  • /ˈkɑrdɪnəlˌfɪʃ/
: pez cardenal
  • While snorkeling, we spotted a cardinalfish hiding in a crevice of the coral, blending perfectly with its surroundings.

Examples

  • Have you ever seen a cardinalfish in the wild?

  • We spotted a school of cardinalfish while snorkeling in the shallow reef.

  • Many marine aquariums feature the vibrant cardinalfish for their striking appearance.

  • The brightly colored cardinalfish darted among the coral branches near the shore.

  • The cardinalfish swam gracefully among the coral.

  • The cardinalfish is often seen swimming near coral reefs, showcasing its vibrant red color.

  • At the aquarium, we admired the tiny cardinalfish darting in and out of the coral formations.

Surface Forms

cardinalfish singular
cardinalfishes plural

Morphology

cardinalfish = cardinal + fish (transparent) = cardinal + fish

A straightforward compound: a type of fish named for its cardinal (red) colour, so meaning is directly derived from the parts.

Etymology

Cardinalfish starts with cardinal, a name that points to the fish's bright 'red' color, like a cardinal's red robe or the red cardinal bird. That's why cardinalfish means a small tropical fish often known for its red colour.