Gillaroo

/ɡɪləˈruː/ noun

Definition

A type of freshwater trout found in Irish lakes, known for its colorful appearance and the unusual thick lips that evolved from feeding on bottom-dwelling organisms.

Etymology

From Irish Gaelic 'geal' (bright) and 'ruadh' (red), referring to the fish's reddish coloring. The term is specific to Irish ichthyology and appears in descriptions of Lake Oughter's unique fish population. The species evolved distinctly due to isolation in specific Irish lakes.

Kelly Says

Gillaroo trout developed their thick, pouting lips because they spent generations sucking snails off lake bottoms—a perfect example of how animals' appearance reflects their lifestyle, and how isolated populations evolve unique traits within just a few thousand years.

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