family Cobitidae

7.9

A group of small freshwater fish called loaches with long bodies and mouth whiskers

noun
/ˈfæmɪli koʊˈbɪtɪdeɪ/

Specialized

: familia Cobitidae

The family Cobitidae includes various species of loaches.

Examples

Researchers discovered a new species within the family Cobitidae in Southeast Asian rivers.
The family Cobitidae is known for its members' ability to tolerate low-oxygen environments.
Many aquarium enthusiasts keep fish from the family Cobitidae due to their unique feeding habits.
Many aquarists enjoy keeping family Cobitidae in their tanks.
Many aquarium enthusiasts keep fish from the family Cobitidae because they are fascinating to watch.
Researchers recently described a new species from the family Cobitidae that thrives in muddy riverbeds.
Due to their elongated bodies, members of the family Cobitidae are often mistaken for eels.

Synonyms

Cobitidae

vsfamily Cobitidae

Specialized

9.9

Small thin freshwater fish called loaches that live mainly in Europe and Asia

emphasizes elongated bodies and barbels around the mouth

Surface Forms

family Cobitidae singular

families Cobitidae plural

Morphology

family + Cobitidae

The phrase combines the noun 'family' (a scientific grouping) with the taxonomic name 'Cobitidae', so its meaning — the taxonomic family of loaches — is directly and compositionally derivable from the constituents. This noun + taxon-name pattern is a common, cross-linguistic scientific construction, making it immediately understandable to a learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Family Cobitidae gets its name from how scientists name animal groups: family means a group and Cobitidae comes from the old word 'cobitis' for a 'loach', a small freshwater fish. So family Cobitidae simply refers to the group of small, bottom-dwelling loach fishes with long bodies and whisker-like feelers under their mouths.