Cutlassfish

/ˈkʌtləsˌfɪʃ/ noun

Definition

A long, flat, silver-colored fish with a sharp, blade-like tail that looks like a cutlass sword.

Etymology

From 'cutlass' (a curved sword used by sailors) and 'fish,' named for the weapon-like appearance of its elongated body and sharp tail fin. The word cutlass itself comes from French 'coutelas,' ultimately from Latin 'cultellus' meaning 'small knife.'

Kelly Says

Cutlassfish can grow up to 6 feet long and live so deep in the ocean that they're rarely seen—but when fishermen accidentally catch them, they're sometimes mistaken for sea serpents because of their bizarre knife-like shape!

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