splittail

[ split-teyl ]

noun

1. a minnow, Pogonichthys macrolepidotus, of the Sacramento River, having the upper lobe of the tail tails much longer than the lower lobe: habitat changes have greatly reduced its numbers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of splittail¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; split + tail ¹

Example Sentences

Research shows that high levels of selenium are causing spinal deformities in more than 80% of young Sacramento splittail, a freshwater fish, in the Bay area.

From Los Angeles Times

“Oh, you’re looking a little stressed there, buddy,” she says, struggling to lay a flailing Sacramento splittail flat so she can measure it, before tossing it overboard.

From The Guardian

Over the course of the day, they count a total of 78 fish, including some native species, like the splittail, and some invasive ones, including a massive catfish.

From The Guardian

And selenium from a combination of sources, including oil refineries, sewage treatment plants, agricultural runoff and natural geologic formations, is turning up in Sacramento splittail, white sturgeon, and diving ducks.

From National Geographic

They are calling her ‘splittail.’

From Salon