family Mullidae
- noun
- Specialized
- Goatfishes belonging to the family Mullidae are distinguished by their chin barbels.
Examples
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The family Mullidae includes several species of brightly colored fish found in coral reefs.
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Biologists have studied the unique feeding habits of the family Mullidae for decades.
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The family Mullidae includes many colorful species.
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Many fishermen target family Mullidae for their delicious taste.
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Goatfishes belonging to the family Mullidae are distinguished by their chin barbels.
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Biologists have studied the unique feeding habits of the family Mullidae for decades.
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The family Mullidae includes several species of brightly colored fish found in coral reefs.
Synonyms
A family of sea fish like red mullet with small whiskers on their chins
A brightly colored tropical fish with whisker-like feelers on its chin
A small red fish with whisker-like feelers that lives in warm seas
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward taxonomic label combining 'family' (a scientific grouping) with the taxon name 'Mullidae', so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it refers to that family of fishes. This compositional naming pattern is common across languages and scientific contexts, making the meaning directly derivable.
Etymology
Family Mullidae names a group of sea fish often called 'goatfishes' because they have small chin whiskers called barbels that look like a goat's beard. They live in warm seas and use these whiskers to find food, so the name helps you remember this family of fish.