shovelnose catfish

noun

variants or less commonly shovel-nosed catfish
: a chiefly nocturnal, South American catfish (Sorubim lima of the family Pimelodidae) that is sometimes kept in tropical aquariums and may reach a length of 16 to 20 inches (41 to 51 centimeters) in length but is usually smaller in captivity

called also duckbill catfish

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shovelnose catfish was in 1898

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Dictionary Entries Near shovelnose catfish

Cite this Entry

“Shovelnose catfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shovelnose%20catfish. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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