family Gobiesocidae

9.9

Small sea fish with a suction cup under their belly to stick to rocks

noun
/ˈfæmɪli ˌɡoʊbiˈsoʊsɪdeɪ/

Specialized

: familia Gobiesocidae

The family Gobiesocidae is known for its unique pelvic fins that form a suction disc.

Examples

Members of the family Gobiesocidae can cling tightly to rocks and seaweed in turbulent waters.
Many members of the family Gobiesocidae are found in rocky coastal habitats.
Marine biologists discovered a new species within the family Gobiesocidae near the coral reefs.
The family Gobiesocidae includes several species of clingfishes.
Marine biologists discovered a new species within the family Gobiesocidae near the coral reefs.
Members of the family Gobiesocidae can cling tightly to rocks and seaweed in turbulent waters.
The family Gobiesocidae is known for its unique pelvic fins that form a suction disc.

Synonyms

Gobiesocidae

vsfamily Gobiesocidae

Specialized

9.9

A family of small sea fish whose belly fins form a suction cup to hold them to surfaces

has identical meaning and is the same scientific family name

Surface Forms

family Gobiesocidae singular

family Gobiesocidae plural

Morphology

family + Gobiesocidae

This phrase is compositional: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with the taxonomic name 'Gobiesocidae' yields the meaning 'the family called Gobiesocidae'. Taxonomic naming conventions (family + Latin name) are cross-linguistically common, so a learner who knows both constituents or recognizes Gobiesocidae as a scientific name can derive the intended meaning easily.

Etymology

Family Gobiesocidae probably comes from goby (a small fish) plus a part that means 'to hold' or 'cling'. These fishes have a sucker-like fin that lets them stick to rocks and seaweed, so the name points to their habit of 'clinging' to surfaces.