cardinalfish

[ kahr-dn-l-fish ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) car·di·nal·fish, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) car·di·nal·fish·es.

1. any of the perchlike fishes of the family Apogonidae, many species of which are bright red with black markings.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cardinalfish¹

cardinal + fish

Example Sentences

The Banggai cardinalfish is among numerous species caught with the intention of adorning home aquariums and reef tanks in places such as offices and restaurants.

From Seattle Times

Highlights include the spot fin butterflyfish, yellow tang and Banggai cardinalfish.

From Washington Post

Not to be outdone, Banggai cardinalfish have a fancy dance of their own.

From Scientific American

Even though Banggai cardinalfish are bred in captivity—they’re one of the few coral reef fish that can be—the captive-bred supply satisfies only a fraction of the insatiable demand of aquarium hobbyists.

From National Geographic

We responded to the not-so-subliminal messages by ordering the catch of the day, a delectable, buttery cardinalfish.

From New York Times