Definition

Noun: * Goatfish, surmullet: A type of small, slender marine fish, often found in tropical and subtropical waters. They are characterized by having two long barbels (whisker-like sensory organs) under their chin, which they use to search for food in the sand. The name "cá phèn" can refer to various species within the goatfish family (Mullidae).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ngư dân bắt được nhiều cá phèn ở vùng biển này. (The fishermen caught many goatfish in this sea area.)
  • Cá phèn kho tiêu là một món ăn dân dã rất ngon. (Braised goatfish with pepper is a very delicious rustic dish.)
  • Nhìn đôi râu dài của con cá phèn kìa! (Look at the long barbels of that goatfish!)

Advanced Usage

• "Cá phèn" as a descriptor: In some contexts, "cá phèn" can be used informally to describe something as common, small, or of little value, similar to the English idiom "small fry." This usage is metaphorical and not the primary zoological meaning.
  • Công ty đó toàn là cá phèn, không đối thủ nặng ký đâu. (That company is all small fry, no serious competition.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cá phèn đỏ / Red goatfish: Refers to goatfish species with a reddish hue.
• Cá phèn vàng / Yellow goatfish: Refers to goatfish species with a yellowish hue.
• Họ cá phèn / Mullidae: The goatfish family.

Synonyms

• Cá lượng (regional name, less common).
• Surmullet (another English name, used especially in European contexts).

Related Idioms

• Đầu voi đuôi chuột / Trăm voi không được bát nước xáo: These idioms (meaning "start big, end small" / "a lot of talk but little substance") share a conceptual similarity with the metaphorical use of "cá phèn" to imply something is less significant than it appears. However, "cá phèn" itself is not a standard component of a common idiom.

1. Goatfish, surmullet