Anablepidae

/ˌænəˈblɛpɪdeɪ/ noun

Definition

A family of small freshwater fish from Central and South America known for their unusual eyes that can look upward and downward simultaneously.

Etymology

From Greek 'ana-' (up) + 'blepo' (to see) + Latin '-idae' (family suffix). Named in the 1820s for the fish's distinctive ocular anatomy.

Kelly Says

These fish have horizontally split pupils with the upper half looking for aerial predators and insects while the lower half watches for underwater threats—nature's built-in multitasking.

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