Barrelfish

/ˈbærəlˌfɪʃ/ noun

Definition

A small, rounded fish that lives in barrels or barrel-like protective structures in the ocean, or resembles a barrel in shape.

Etymology

From barrel plus fish, a compound word created by combining the shape descriptor with the animal name. Appears in scientific literature from the 19th century onward.

Kelly Says

Young barrelfish literally hide inside barrel-shaped jellyfish tentacles—they've evolved a special immunity to the sting and live rent-free in toxic space, one of nature's most surprising roommate situations.

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