pupfish
1
7.7
Small tough freshwater fish that lives in desert springs and shallow water
- noun
- /ˈpʌpˌfɪʃ/
- Specialized
:
pez pupfish
- The tiny pupfish is well-known for its ability to survive in some of the most extreme habitats on Earth.
- desert pupfish
- endangered pupfish
Examples
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Justice Douglas argued that trees should be granted personhood, that rivers, lakes, and even pupfish have rights.
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A few species of pupfish are actually extinct in nature yet thrive in household aquariums.
Academic text (2005) -
The desert pupfish is one of dozens of endangered desert fishes and insects in the US Southwest and Mexico (Williams et al. 1989).
Academic text (1992) -
In the shallow springs of Death Valley, the resilient pupfish thrives despite harsh conditions.
-
Nine types of pupfish can be found in Death Valley.
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Pupfish is simply pup ('young dog') plus fish, because these very small, lively fish reminded people of little puppies in their size and quick movements; that's why the name fits these tiny, hardy freshwater fish that live in harsh places.