goatfish

[ goht-fish ]

noun

, plural goat·fish·es, (especially collectively) goat·fish.

1. any tropical and subtropical marine fish of the family Mullidae, having a pair of long barbels below the mouth.

goatfish

/ ˈɡəʊtˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. the US name for the red mullet

Word History and Origins

Origin of goatfish¹

First recorded in 1630–40; goat + fish

Example Sentences

In late September, the 18,000-square-foot space was sparsely populated with three rays, a cluster of silvery goatfish and multiple tanks of coral.

From Seattle Times

Only nine species of fish, including the goldsaddle goatfish, are known to hunt in this fashion.

From New York Times

But it’s more difficult to understand teamwork between cleaner shrimp and, say, goatfish, which Dr. Caves said are known to “gobble crustaceans.”

From New York Times

Cowfish and goatfish grazed here and there, as a small, curious barracuda patrolled in the distance.

From New York Times

All goatfish need to be at least 12 inches.

From Washington Times