Galjoen

/ˈɡɑːljoʊn/ noun

Definition

A silvery fish found off the coasts of southern Africa, valued as a food fish and for sport fishing.

Etymology

From Afrikaans galjoen, ultimately from Dutch galjoen (galley), possibly because the fish's shape or behavior resembled a galley ship, or because it was caught from galleys.

Kelly Says

The galjoen is South Africa's national fish, yet its name comes from a Dutch warship—it's a beautiful example of how colonial languages left their marks on the ecosystems settlers encountered!

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