Eelblennies

/ˈiːlˌblɛniz/ noun

Definition

Plural of eelblennie; small fish that look like a mix between eels and blennies with long slender bodies.

Etymology

From 'eel' combined with 'blennie' (from Greek 'blenna' meaning mucus or slime), referring to the mucous coating that eels and blennies share.

Kelly Says

The 'blennie' part comes from ancient Greek observations of these fish's protective slimy coating—scientists literally named them after their sliminess, which protected them from predators and helped them squeeze through tight spaces.

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