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Garfish: meaning, definitions and examples

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garfish

 

[ˈɡɑːr.fɪʃ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

marine fish

Garfish, also known as needlefish, refers to a family of elongated, predatory fish found in both fresh and saltwater. They are characterized by their long, slender bodies and pointed snouts, which give them a distinct appearance. These fish are known for their sharp teeth and their ability to leap out of the water. Garfish are often found in schools and are popular as bait fish. They are also considered edible, although some may find their flesh to be bony.

Synonyms

ligerfish, needlefish.

Examples of usage

  • The garfish darted through the water.
  • Fishermen often target garfish for sport.
  • We caught a garfish while fishing off the coast.
  • Garfish can grow up to three feet in length.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The name 'garfish' comes from the Old English word 'gār', meaning spear, due to its long, pointed shape.
  • In different languages, it's called 'swordfish' or 'beakfish,' referencing its sharp, elongated snout.

Ecology

  • Garfish are known to thrive in both saltwater and freshwater, showcasing their adaptability to different environments.
  • They are often found in schools, which can help them evade predators by confusing them with their numbers.

Culinary Uses

  • In some cultures, garfish are eaten and considered a delicacy, often smoked or grilled to enhance their flavor.
  • In medieval times, people used garfish similarly, cooking it as a staple for many coastal communities.

Behavior

  • These fish can often be seen swimming near the water's surface, which is part of their hunting technique to catch smaller fish.
  • Garfish are known to leap out of the water, possibly to shake off parasites or to escape from predators.

Conservation

  • Many species of garfish are monitored for population levels, as habitat changes and pollution can threaten their environments.
  • Their role in the food chain is important, serving as both predator and prey in their ecosystems.

Translations

Translations of the word "garfish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 peixe-lança

🇮🇳 गुर्दा मछली

🇩🇪 Nadelhecht

🇮🇩 ikan jarum

🇺🇦 гостроноса риба

🇵🇱 węgorz

🇯🇵 ガーフィッシュ

🇫🇷 poisson-lance

🇪🇸 pez lanza

🇹🇷 okyanus balığı

🇰🇷 가프 물고기

🇸🇦 سمكة السهم

🇨🇿 ryba jehlice

🇸🇰 ryba šíp

🇨🇳 长嘴鱼

🇸🇮 riba sulica

🇮🇸 spaðfiskur

🇰🇿 жебе риба

🇬🇪 ყურის თევზი

🇦🇿 sürgün balığı

🇲🇽 pez lanza

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,264, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.