Alligatorfish

/ˈælɪɡeɪtərfɪʃ/ noun

Definition

A long, thin deep-sea fish with a narrow snout that resembles an alligator's jaws.

Etymology

Compound of 'alligator' (from Spanish 'el lagarto' meaning 'the lizard') and 'fish' (from Old English 'fisc'). The name describes the fish's physical resemblance to an alligator with its elongated snout.

Kelly Says

These creatures live in the deep ocean where it's almost completely dark, yet they have large eyes and specialized light-producing organs—nature's solution to seeing in the abyss! Scientists study them to understand how life adapts to extreme pressure and darkness miles below the surface.

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