Definition

Noun 1. A type of marine fish: A species of fish belonging to the genus Selene, specifically Selene vomer, characterized by a very deep, extremely compressed body, a steep, almost vertical forehead, and eyes set high on the head. It is similar in appearance to other fish commonly called moonfish or lookdown.

Usage Notes

• The term "selene vomer" is the scientific binomial name (genus , species ) for this specific fish. In common language, it is most frequently referred to by its common name, lookdown.
• It is primarily used in scientific, zoological, or ichthyological (the study of fish) contexts. In everyday conversation, anglers or aquarium enthusiasts would use the common name "lookdown."
• The defining physical characteristic is its unique head profile with a highly truncated forehead, making the eyes appear positioned unusually high.

Examples

• Scientific Context: "The specimen was identified as based on its distinct cranial morphology."
• Descriptive Context: "The selene vomer, or lookdown, is easily recognized by its silvery, disc-shaped body and steep forehead."

Advanced Usage

• The name is derived from Greek mythology, referring to the goddess of the moon, alluding to the fish's often silvery, moon-like appearance.
• The species name is Latin for "plowshare," which may describe the shape of its head or body.

Variants and Related Words

• Lookdown: The most common English name for .
• Moonfish: A common name that can refer to several silvery, compressed fish species, including those in the genera and . It is a broader, less specific term.
• Genus Selene: The taxonomic group that includes the lookdown and related species like the Atlantic moonfish ().

Synonyms

• Lookdown (primary common name)
• Horsehead (a less common regional name, referring to the head shape)

Different Meanings

• Selene: When used alone, typically refers to the genus of fish or, in a different context, the Greek lunar goddess.
• Vomer: When used alone in anatomy, refers to the vomer bone in the human skull (a thin bone forming part of the nasal septum). In a zoological context, it is part of this fish's species name.

Noun

1. similar to moonfish but with eyes high on the truncated forehead