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Fingerling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fingerling

[หˆfษชล‹ษกษ™หŒlษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

aquaculture term

A fingerling is a young fish that has reached the stage of development where it is about the size of a finger. This term is commonly used in aquaculture to refer to fish that are transitioning from the larval stage to a more juvenile stage. They are typically around 2 to 5 inches in length and are often used for stocking ponds and lakes for recreational fishing or for commercial fish farming. Fingerlings are essential for the growth of fish populations because they represent the next generation of fish that can be cultivated.

Synonyms

baby fish, juvenile fish, young fish.

Examples of usage

  • The hatchery produces thousands of fingerlings each year.
  • Fishermen release fingerlings to boost the fish population in the lake.
  • Fingerlings require specific care to ensure their survival.
  • Aquaculture facilities often sell fingerlings to local farmers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Fingerlings are typically less than 10 centimeters long and are vital to the lifecycle of many fish species.
  • Hatching usually occurs within days to weeks after fertilization, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
  • They are often raised in hatcheries for stock replenishing or aquaculture purposes.

Aquaculture

  • In aquaculture, farmers often use fingerlings to grow fish for food, ensuring a sustainable supply.
  • Different types of fish thrive as fingerlings, including trout, catfish, and tilapia, depending on local demand.
  • The health and growth rate of fingerlings can be significantly affected by water quality and diet.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, the fishing industry views fingerlings as a crucial part of maintaining fish populations.
  • The term has made its way into various educational and environmental discussions regarding fish conservation efforts.
  • Some fishing games and documentaries showcase the importance of fingerlings in the ecosystem, highlighting their role in food chains.

Origin of 'fingerling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'fingerling' combines 'finger' and the suffix '-ling,' indicating something small.
  • It has been in use since the early 19th century, originally referring to small fish.
  • In different languages, similar terms emphasize youth, such as 'alevin' in French, referring to young salmon.

The term 'fingerling' originates from the early 19th century, derived from the word 'finger', due to the size of young fish being comparable to that of a human finger. Early aquaculturists needed a term to describe these juvenile fish stages that were crucial for breeding and stock enhancement. The concept of fish farming began to take prominence in the late 19th century and grew into a significant agricultural sector. As fish farming techniques improved, the breeding and rearing of fingerlings became a specialized field, leading to the establishment of hatcheries and commercial fish farms focused on producing and distributing fingerlings for various aquatic environments. Over time, the term has been widely adopted in the fishing and aquaculture communities, emphasizing its relevance in sustainable practices and wildlife management.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,694 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.