Pronunciation: [kˈe͡ɪplɪn] (IPA) 
The word "capelin" is spelled with a "c" followed by an "a" and "p" which all represent consonant sounds. The "e" in "capelin" is silent and serves only to indicate a softening of the "a" sound to an "eh" sound. The "l" at the end is pronounced as a vocalic "l", which creates a slight vowel sound at the end of the word. The IPA phonetic transcription for "capelin" is /ˈkeɪplɪn/.
Capelin is a noun referring to a small marine fish belonging to the family Mallotus and scientifically known as Mallotus villosus. It is a silver-colored fish with a slender body that can grow up to 20 centimeters in length. Capelins are found in the Northern Hemisphere and are particularly abundant in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans.
These fish are an important part of the oceanic food chain, as they serve as a primary source of nutrition for a variety of larger marine species such as seals, whales, and birds. Capelins have a specific life cycle and are known for their synchronized reproductive behavior. They migrate in large schools to coastal areas to spawn during the spring and summer months, often moving en masse to nearshore areas for this purpose.
Capelins are highly valued in some cultures for their dietary and economic significance. They have been traditionally harvested as a food source, particularly in northern countries like Canada, Iceland, and Norway, where they are often consumed fresh, smoked, or used in various culinary preparations. Additionally, their roe is considered a delicacy in certain regions, including Japan.
Due to their ecological importance and resource value, capelins have attracted attention from fisheries management and conservation organizations. Their populations are monitored to ensure sustainable harvesting practices and to maintain the overall health of marine ecosystems.
The word "capelin" is derived from the French word "capelan", which in turn comes from the Old French word "chapelain". The Old French term referred to an ecclesiastical office, specifically the chaplain or a person associated with a chapel. The association of the word "capelin" with the small fish comes from the fact that they were often found near or associated with larger fish, just as a chaplain might be found near a church or chapel. Over time, through linguistic shifts and adaptations, the term "capelin" began to be used exclusively for the small fish species found in cold waters, particularly in the North Atlantic Ocean.
