Holocephalan (Noun)
Meaning
Fish with high compressed head and a body tapering off into a long tail.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The chimaera, a type of deep-sea fish, is an example of a holocephalan with its distinctive head shape and tapering body.
- Fossil records indicate that the holocephalan fish have existed since ancient times with evidence of these ancient species found in sedimentary rocks.
- The frilled shark's flattened and elongated body is similar to the holocephalan fish, despite being part of a different scientific classification.
- Some species of holocephalan fish have been observed using their pectoral fins to detect prey in the dark depths of the ocean.
- Holocephalan fish such as the rabbitfish typically have large eyes to adapt to the dimly lit environment of the deep sea.