spearfish

/'spiəfiʃ/

Thân thiện

A fisherman holds up a large spearfish he just caught.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of large, powerful, open-ocean (pelagic) fish that resembles sailfish but has a significantly smaller first dorsal fin. These fish are found worldwide but are considered uncommon.

Usage

• Noun:
  • The spearfish is known for its speed and strength, making it a challenging catch for sport fishermen.
  • Unlike the sailfish, the spearfish has a much shorter first dorsal fin.

Advanced Usage

• As a taxonomic group: The term "spearfish" can refer to multiple species within the billfish family (Istiophoridae), such as the Shortbill spearfish () and the Longbill spearfish ().
  • Marine biologists are studying the migration patterns of the Shortbill spearfish.

Variants and Related Words

• Spearfishing (n): The activity or sport of hunting fish using a spear, typically while diving. (Note: This is a related compound word, not a variant of "spearfish" itself).
  • She enjoys spearfishing in the clear coastal waters.

Synonyms

• Billfish: A broader term for fish with spear-like bills, including marlin, sailfish, and spearfish.
• Pelagic fish: Fish that live in the open sea, not near the bottom or shore.

Related Phrases

• To catch a spearfish: This phrase describes the action of fishing for this specific type of fish.
  • His dream is to catch a spearfish on his next deep-sea fishing trip.

Học thuật

Noun

1. any of several large vigorous pelagic fishes resembling sailfishes but with first dorsal fin much reduced; worldwide but rare