Moonfishes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A diverse group of fishes known for their flattened bodies and unique swimming style; they are often found in warm, open waters, particularly in tropical regions
2. A variety of fish characterized by their distinctively rounded, disc-like shape and tendency to swim near the surface of the ocean
3. A collective term for several species of fish that exhibit a moon-like shape and are frequently associated with marine environments, particularly in warmer climates

Etymology: "Moonfishes" is simply the plural of "moonfish," so its history is that of the singular. The compound joins "moon" and "fish," and the name refers to the fish's silvery color, which resembles the pale light of the moon. Dutch has the parallel formation "maanvis," with the same meaning, so the image of a moon-coloured fish appears in more than one language.