mummichog

[muhm-i-chog]

noun

Coastal New England.

1. a silver and black killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus, found in fresh, brackish, and salt water along the Atlantic coast of the United States.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mummichog¹

First recorded in 1780–90, from Narragansett ( English spelling) moamitteaũg

Example Sentences

Short, squat and tiny killifish, also known as mummichogs or mud minnows, are masters of marshes and coastal estuaries.

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Then suddenly it darted its sharp black bill into the water, speared a mummichog with no apparent emotion and tossed its head back to gulp it down before transforming back into a statue.

Read more on New York Times

A type of killifish called a mummichog navigates visually, jumping up and orienting its body toward the water, according to a recent study.

Read more on National Geographic