killifish

[ kil-ee-fish ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) kil·li·fish, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) kil·li·fish·es.

1. any of several small, oviparous cyprinodont fishes, especially of the genus Fundulus, found in salt, brackish, and fresh waters.
2. any of several livebearers.

killifish

/ ˈkɪlɪˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. any of various chiefly American minnow-like cyprinodont fishes of the genus Fundulus and related genera, of fresh and brackish waters: used as aquarium fishes, to control mosquitoes, and as anglers' bait

Word History and Origins

Origin of killifish¹

1805–15, Americanism; perhaps kill ² + -i- (unexplained) + fish

Word History and Origins

Origin of killifish¹

C19: see kill ², fish

Example Sentences

Killifish often seem shy, hiding beneath rocks on the sea floor.

From Science News For Students

The plains killifish was collected by me only at Station 42-S.

From Project Gutenberg

At station A-3 many young killifish were taken in small shallow pools on December 22.

From Project Gutenberg

Eastward from the Walnut River plains killifish have not been taken.

From Project Gutenberg

While the killifish responds to a bass-viol string, there may be some fishes wholly deaf.

From Project Gutenberg