Plural of flagfish, small freshwater fish with spotted patterns that are popular in aquariums.
Compound of 'flag' (referring to the spotted pattern resembling a flag or banner) and 'fish' (from Old English fisc). The common name likely references the fish's distinctive markings.
Flagfish were traditionally used in water quality testing because they're sensitive to pollution—scientists could tell if water was clean by watching if the fish thrived, making them like tiny environmental canaries.
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