POLYCENTRIDAE Meaning and
Definition
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Polycentridae is a noun that refers to a family of freshwater fish belonging to the order Perciformes. These fishes are commonly known as mudskipper gobies or mudskippers. Polycentridae is derived from the Greek words "poly," meaning many, and "kentron," meaning sting or spine, referring to the numerous spines found on their bodies.
Members of the family Polycentridae are characterized by their unique ability to breathe both in water and in air, owing to specialized gills and lungs. They inhabit estuarine and intertidal areas of coastal regions, where they thrive in mudflats, mangroves, and swamps. Polycentridae species are found predominantly in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Mudskippers exhibit a range of interesting adaptations to their semi-amphibious lifestyle. They have elongated bodies, strong pectoral fins, and muscular pelvic fins, which enable them to move on land in a unique, hopping motion. They possess eyes on the top of their heads, providing them with a panoramic view of their surroundings while they move and feed.
Polycentridae feeds mainly on small invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, and worms, using their protractile jaws to capture prey. They are generally small in size, with some species reaching lengths of up to 25 centimeters.
Overall, the family Polycentridae encompasses a remarkable group of fish with adaptations that allow them to thrive in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, making them a fascinating subject for study and observation.
Etymology of POLYCENTRIDAE
The word "Polycentridae" has its roots in Greek and Latin.
The first part, "poly-", comes from the Greek word "polys", which means "many" or "multiple".
The second part, "-centridae", is derived from the Latin word "centrum", meaning "center". The suffix "-idae" is a common way to denote a family in taxonomy.
So, the term "Polycentridae" is a combination of the Greek and Latin words, indicating a family of fish with multiple centers or focal points.
