Anableps

/əˈnæbləps/ noun

Definition

A genus of small live-bearing fish with eyes divided into upper and lower portions, allowing them to see above and below water simultaneously.

Etymology

Direct from Greek 'ana-' (up) + 'blepo' (to see), literally 'looking upward.' The genus was formally described by Scopoli in 1777.

Kelly Says

The 'four-eyed fish' is only famous for two eyes, but each eye has two pupils separated by a horizontal band of tissue, making them literally able to live in two visual worlds at once.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.