splittail

American  

[split-teyl] / ˈsplɪtˌteɪl /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of splittail

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 • Jan. 26, 2023

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 • Dec. 22, 2019

“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 • Dec. 22, 2019

Salmon, steelhead trout, Sacramento splittail and other native fish are not the only wildlife that flourish in the few remaining Central Valley flood plains.

From New York Times • Mar. 2, 2012

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