filefish

noun

file·​fish ˈfī(-ə)l-ˌfish 

: any of various small-mouthed bony fishes (family Monacanthidae, especially genera Aluterus, Cantherhines, and Monacanthus) with rough granular leathery skin

Examples of filefish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Motor neurons for the first dorsal fin of filefish were found in the same location as motor neurons for the second, third and fourth dorsal fins in frogfish. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 30 Dec. 2024

In contrast, all of a filefish’s dorsal fin motor neurons are located solely in its ventrolateral zone. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 Dec. 2024

The tiny white dot, the object of the filefish’s attention, fills this careful composition with purpose. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

There are even some fish who can change color to blend in, including the rock goby and filefish. 2. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2023

Hatchling Harbor will be home to various animals, including the scrawled filefish, lobsters, crabs, conchs and urchins. —Emily Deletter, The Enquirer, 21 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for filefish

• cuttlefish
• jellyfish
• sablefish
• bluefish
• catfish
• codfish
• crawfish
• dogfish
• finfish
• flatfish
• goldfish
• groundfish

Kids Definition

filefish

noun

file·​fish ˈfī(ə)l-ˌfish 

: any of various fishes with rough leathery skin