capelan
Definition
Noun: A capelan is a very small northern fish that serves as a primary food source (forage) for sea birds, marine mammals, and other fish species.
Usage
The word capelan is used specifically to refer to this type of small forage fish found in cold northern waters. It is a countable noun.
Examples
- The shoreline was covered with spawning capelan.
- The survival of many puffin colonies depends on a steady supply of capelan.
- Humpback whales migrate to these bays to feed on the abundant capelan.
Advanced Usage
- Capelan run: Refers to the mass migration or spawning event of these fish towards shorelines.
- Tourists gather every spring to witness the spectacular capelan run.
Variants and Related Words
- Capelin: This is a common alternate spelling for capelan. Both forms refer to the same fish ().
Synonyms
- Forage fish: A general term for small fish that are preyed upon by larger predators.
- Baitfish: A term often used in fishing contexts for small fish used as bait or that form the base of the food chain.
Different Meanings
The word capelan does not have other common meanings in modern English. It refers exclusively to the fish species.
Noun
-
very small northern fish; forage for sea birds and marine mammals and other fishes
