The Atlantic Moonfish is a species of fish found in the Atlantic Ocean. The spelling of this word is fairly straightforward: /ətˈlæntɪk muːnˌfɪʃ/. The first syllable is pronounced with the schwa sound, followed by the stressed "lant" sound, and ending with a "k" sound. The word "moonfish" is pronounced with a long "oo" sound and ends with an "sh" sound, spelled phonetically as "muːnˌfɪʃ". This elegant fish is often sought after by anglers due to its unique appearance and taste.
The Atlantic Moonfish, also known by its scientific name Selene setapinnis, is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Carangidae. It is commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean, specifically in tropical and subtropical waters, from the coast of North Carolina down to the northern parts of South America.
This fish is characterized by its distinctive appearance, which includes a flat, round-shaped body and a unique moon-like shape on its sides, hence the name "Moonfish." It has a silvery-blue coloration, often with a dark spot or blotch on its pectoral fins. The Atlantic Moonfish can grow up to 18 inches long and usually weighs around 3 pounds, although some individuals may reach larger sizes.
As a pelagic species, the Atlantic Moonfish is known to form schools near the water's surface, often in warm coastal waters where it feeds on a diet consisting mainly of small fish, crustaceans, and zooplankton. It uses its small, pointed teeth to capture and consume its prey.
Although the Atlantic Moonfish is not highly targeted by commercial fisheries, it is occasionally caught as bycatch by shrimp trawlers and other fishing methods. It is also sought after by recreational anglers due to its impressive fighting abilities. However, it should be noted that there are currently no specific conservation concerns for this species, and its population is considered stable.
The word "Atlantic Moonfish" does not have a specific etymology because it is a combination of the names of two distinct elements: "Atlantic" and "Moonfish".
"Atlantic" refers to the Atlantic Ocean, which is the second-largest ocean in the world, covering an area between North and South America to the west, Africa and Europe to the east. The term "Atlantic" itself comes from the Latin word "Atlanticus", which means "of the sea".
"Moonfish" refers to a type of fish that belongs to the family Molidae. These fish are known for their peculiar shape, resembling a large, flat disc. The term "moonfish" is thought to come from the fish's appearance, which some people associate with the shape of the moon.
Together, "Atlantic Moonfish" simply refers to a type of fish that is found in the Atlantic Ocean, characterized by its moon-like shape.