Moonfish

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A species of fish distinguished by its round shape and shiny exterior, commonly found in oceanic depths while exhibiting nocturnal habits and social behavior
2. This fish, belonging to a specific family, is notable for its large ocular features and unique thermal regulation capabilities in colder marine environments
3. A type of marine fish known for its distinct round body and glossy skin, which typically inhabits deeper ocean regions while displaying nocturnal and group-living tendencies

Etymology: The name "moonfish" is a plain compound of "moon" and "fish", and the reason for it is the fish's colouring. Its body is silvery and reflective, and that sheen is what the name points to: the fish looks like a pale disc catching moonlight. The same logic lies behind the Dutch "maanvis", which means "moon fish" in exactly the same way, so the English and Dutch names were formed independently of each other by the same idea, not borrowed from one another. The compound itself is transparent, which means the word needs little explanation beyond its two parts. "Moon" is an old Germanic word for the body in the sky, and "fish" is a native English word, so both halves of the name are inherited rather than borrowed. The image of the moon as a silver disc is what has kept the name in use for these deep-water fish.

Synonyms: opah, Lampris, moonlight fish, sunfish, mola