Allmouth

/ˈɔːl.maʊθ/ noun

Definition

A large-mouthed fish (Argyropelecus) found in deep ocean waters, named for its disproportionately large mouth relative to its body size.

Etymology

From Old English 'all' meaning 'entire' and 'mouth,' descriptively referring to the fish's most prominent feature. The compound name emerged in 19th-century ichthyology as scientists developed English common names for deep-sea creatures.

Kelly Says

Deep-sea fish like the allmouth evolved those enormous mouths because in the dark ocean, they need to grab anything edible that drifts by—they literally can't afford to be picky eaters!

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