viperfish

American  

[vahy-per-fish] / ˈvaɪ pərˌfɪʃ /

noun

plural

viperfish,

plural

viperfishes

1. any of several deep-sea fishes of the family Chauliodontidae, having a large mouth and fanglike teeth, some species having light-emitting organs on their bodies.

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Etymology

Origin of viperfish

First recorded in 1890–95; viper + fish

Example Sentences

The technique of mimicking a non-threatening or tasty species to lure prey is known as aggressive mimicry, and it’s seen in other deep-sea creatures such as anglerfish, viperfish and dragonfish.

From Scientific American • Aug. 28, 2013