Carapus

/ˈkærəpəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of small marine fishes, the pearlfishes, characterized by elongated bodies and the habit of living inside sea cucumbers.

Etymology

Scientific Latin genus name derived from carapax, likely named for the fish's appearance or its habitat behavior, with Latinized -us ending.

Kelly Says

Scientists picked 'Carapus' as the genus name because these fish live inside creatures with shells—a naming choice that reveals how naturalists think about animal relationships and homes.

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