monkfish

monkfish
/mungk"fish'/, n., pl. (esp. collectively) monkfish, (esp. referring to two or more kinds or species) monkfishes.
angler (def. 3).
[1600-10; MONK + FISH, appar. alluding to its remote sea-bottom habitat]

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Any of 10–12 species (genus Squatina, family Squatinidae) of sharks having a flattened head and body, with winglike pectoral and pelvic fins that make them resemble rays.

The tail bears two dorsal fins, and behind each eye is a prominent spiracle. Monkfish grow up to 6.25 ft (2.5 m) long. They inhabit tropical and warm temperate waters of continental shelves worldwide. The angelfish, or angel shark (S. squatina), is often caught for food in European waters. The term monkfish is also used for the unrelated food species of the genus Lophius, bottom-dwelling goosefish with enormous mouths and "fishing rod" lures extending from their heads.

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▪ Squatina
      (genus Squatina), any of 10 to 12 species of shark that constitute a single genus (family Squatinidae, order Squatiniformes) and characterized by flattened heads and bodies, with winglike pectoral and pelvic fins that make them resemble rays. The tail bears two dorsal fins and a well-developed caudal fin. The upper surface of the head features the eyes, behind each of which is a prominent spiracle. Five gill slits occur in front of the pectoral fins. The monkfish ranges up to 2.5 m (6.25 feet) in length.

      Monkfish are found in tropical and warm temperate waters of the continental shelf worldwide. One species that is often caught for food in European and Mediterranean waters is the angelfish or angel shark (Squatina squatina).

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Universalium. 2010.

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Synonyms:
, , , (Squatina angelus)


Look at other dictionaries:

  • monkfish — [muŋk′fish΄] n. pl. monkfish or monkfishes (see FISH) any of certain species of ANGLER (sense 3), esp. when used as food …   English World dictionary

  • Monkfish — Monk fish, n. (Zo[ o]l.) (a) The angel fish ({Squatina}). (b) The angler ({Lophius}), esp. the goosefishes {Lophius Americanus} in America and {Lophius piscatorius} in Europe, used for food. [MW10] [1913 Webster +PJC] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • monkfish — ► NOUN 1) an anglerfish, especially when used as food. 2) an angel shark …   English terms dictionary

  • Monkfish — For the TV series character, see The Fast Show. For the cryptid, see Sea monk. A monkfish in a market …   Wikipedia

  • monkfish — Angler An gler, n. 1. One who angles. [1913 Webster] 2. (Zo[ o]l.) A fish ({Lophius piscatorius}), of Europe and America, having a large, broad, and depressed head, with the mouth very large. Peculiar appendages on the head are said to be used to …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • monkfish — noun 1. (plural monkfish or monkfishes) a thin, flat fish, Rhina squatina, related to the sharks and rays, found in the waters around the British Isles. 2. (erroneously) → stargazer (def. 3). {so named from the cowled appearance of the head}… …  

  • monkfish — juodadryžis žvaigždininkas atsiskyrėlis statusas T sritis zoologija | vardynas taksono rangas rūšis atitikmenys: lot. Kathetostoma nigrofasciatum angl. deepwater stargazer; monkfish rus. глубоководный звездочёт; чернополосая катетостома ryšiai:… …   Žuvų pavadinimų žodynas

  • monkfish — europinis jūrų velnias statusas T sritis zoologija | vardynas taksono rangas rūšis atitikmenys: lot. Lophius piscatorius angl. angler; fishing frog; frogfish; goosefish; monkfish; sea devil rus. европейский морской чёрт; европейский удильщик… …   Žuvų pavadinimų žodynas

  • monkfish — europinis plokščiakūnis ryklys statusas T sritis zoologija | vardynas taksono rangas rūšis atitikmenys: lot. Squatina squatina angl. angel fish; angel ray; angel shark; monkfish rus. европейская скватина; европейский морской ангел ryšiai:… …   Žuvų pavadinimų žodynas

  • monkfish — noun Date: 1666 either of two goosefishes (Lophius americanus of America and L. piscatorius of Europe) used for food …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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