What does piscivore mean?
A piscivore is an animal or other organism that eats fish. The word is especially common in ecology, fisheries science, and wildlife management, where it describes predators whose diet consists substantially of fish. Familiar examples include sharks, tuna, dolphins, seals, predatory birds, and fish-eating reptiles. In such contexts, “piscivore” is more precise than the informal phrase “fish-eater,” since it identifies a feeding strategy and can refer to an entire group of animals rather than an individual. The term may also be used when discussing the ecological role of a species, the effects of fishing on predator populations, or the behavior of aquatic animals in captivity. Although the word is understood by general audiences, it is most characteristic of scientific and technical writing.
nounA fish-eating animal or other organism, especially one that feeds predominantly on fish. The term is commonly used for predatory birds, marine mammals, reptiles, and predatory fish.
- An animal or organism that feeds on fish.
"The great white shark is a major piscivore in coastal waters."
"The lake supports several species of piscivore, including large trout and kingfishers."
"Aquarists should consider whether any predatory fish in the tank is a significant piscivore."
The regular plural is used when referring to multiple fish-eating organisms or species.
"Sharks and seabirds are important piscivores in many marine ecosystems."
A piscivore is, in effect, a fish eater—but the word gives this dietary specialization a precise and memorable name.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does piscivore come from?
The word was formed in the 19th century from Latin “piscis,” meaning “fish,” and the combining form “-vore,” derived from Latin “vorare,” meaning “to devour” or “to eat.” The suffix appears in many English words describing feeding habits, including “herbivore,” “carnivore,” and “omnivore.” English “piscivorous,” meaning “fish-eating,” and “piscivory,” meaning “the act or practice of eating fish,” belong to the same word family.
Related word forms
How piscivore is actually used
The term is primarily used in ecology, zoology, fisheries science, and wildlife management. It is more technical than the everyday expression “fish-eater” and usually implies that fish are a characteristic or principal food source.
Easily confused with piscivore
A piscivore is an organism that eats fish, whereas pisciculture is the cultivation of fish for food or other purposes.
A piscivore eats fish, while a planktivore feeds primarily on plankton.