Any of several large sea creatures with frightening appearance, especially a manta ray or octopus, viewed as devilish or monstrous.
Compound from 'devil' and 'fish' (from Old English fisc). Applies to various species: the giant squid, manta rays, and certain scorpionfishes were all called devilfish because of their alien appearance and aggressive behavior.
Manta rays were called devilfish because sailors thought their wing-like fins were demonic appendages, when really they're adapted for graceful swimming. We still name ocean creatures based on fear rather than actual properties—anglerfish, viperfish, goblin sharks.
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