pupfish

American  

[puhp-fish] / ˈpʌpˌfɪʃ /

noun

plural

pupfish,

plural

pupfishes

1. any of several tiny, stout killifishes of the genus Cyprinodon, inhabiting marshy waters in arid areas of western North America: several species are endangered.

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Etymology

Origin of pupfish

First recorded in 1945–50; pup + fish

Example Sentences

Officials deemed the feeding and monitoring of the area’s pupfish, which can thrive in some of the saltiest and warmest waters, essential during the shutdown, the ranger said, because they’re “this star animal of the park.”

From Los Angeles Times

For the typically still-water environment, the waves disrupted the shallow shelf that the pupfish use as a spawning area, likely knocking eggs deep into the cavern.

From Los Angeles Times

Before the mid-1990s, scientists counted between 200 and 250 Devils Hole pupfish each spring.

From Los Angeles Times

Scientists found 191 pupfish in April — the highest spring count since 1999.

From Los Angeles Times

In the short term, Wilson said, earthquakes aren’t great for the pupfish.

From Los Angeles Times