Agonostomus

/ˌæɡoʊˈnɑstəməs/ noun

Definition

A genus of fish found in the Americas, including the tarpon and similar large game fish.

Etymology

From Greek agōn 'struggle' + stoma 'mouth,' literally meaning 'struggling mouth.' The name references the fish's powerful mouth and fighting behavior when hooked.

Kelly Says

Fish taxonomists named this genus based on how hard these fish fight when caught—their scientific name literally means 'struggling mouth,' a poetic way to describe a fisherman's battle with a powerful catch!

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