What does ribbonfish mean?
Ribbonfish is a common name for several marine fishes whose unusually long, narrow, flattened bodies resemble strips of ribbon. The best-known examples belong to the cutlassfish family and include species such as the Pacific cutlassfish, which occurs in warmer waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans. The name refers chiefly to their shape rather than to any single species, and it may sometimes overlap informally with the term oarfish. Ribbonfish are generally predatory, feeding on small fish and crustaceans, and their slender bodies help them move efficiently through open water. Although “ribbonfish” can describe more than one kind of fish, the word is especially associated with highly elongated cutlassfishes used as food fish in parts of East and Southeast Asia.
nounAny of several long, slender marine fishes with compressed, ribbon-like bodies, especially members of the cutlassfish family.
- Any of various long, slender, silvery marine fishes with ribbon-like bodies, especially the cutlassfishes.
"The ribbonfish flashed silver as it moved through the water beside the boat."
"Ribbonfish are recognizable by their extremely elongated, laterally compressed bodies."
"The restaurant served grilled ribbonfish with lemon and herbs."
The plural is formed by adding -es, with the final consonant retaining its hard /ʃ/ sound.
"Schools of ribbonfishes were visible near the reef."
Its body is so narrow and ribbon-like that some ribbonfish are mistaken for underwater blades.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ribbonfish come from?
“Ribbonfish” is a modern English compound formed by combining “ribbon,” from Old French riban meaning a band or string, with “fish.” The comparison is chiefly descriptive: it identifies fishes whose bodies are long, narrow, and flattened like ribbons. The same root also produced the older variant “riband,” now chiefly preserved in particular expressions and specialized uses.
How ribbonfish is actually used
The term is a broad common name rather than a precise taxonomic designation. It is also sometimes applied informally to the oarfish, creating some overlap in usage.
Easily confused with ribbonfish
A ribbonfish is generally a cutlassfish or related slender fish, whereas an oarfish is the much longer, deep-bodied fish sometimes called a ribbonfish in informal usage.