rockfish

UK: ˈrɒkfɪʃ | US: ˈrɑːkfɪʃ

Definition
  1. n. A type of fish that inhabits rocky coastal areas or reefs, often belonging to the family Sebastidae or Scorpaenidae.

Structure
rock <hard mineral mass>fish <aquatic vertebrate>
Etymology

The word "rockfish" is a straightforward compound of "rock" (from Old English rocc, meaning "stone" or "large mass") and "fish" (from Old English fisc, meaning "aquatic animal"). The term logically describes fish species that dwell among rocks, reflecting their habitat. This compounding follows a common English pattern for naming animals (e.g., "catfish," "swordfish").

Examples
  1. The rockfish camouflages perfectly among the ocean floor’s stones.

  2. Anglers often catch rockfish near coastal reefs.

  3. This recipe calls for grilled rockfish with lemon and herbs.

  4. Rockfish populations are declining due to overfishing.

  5. Divers spotted a vibrant school of rockfish near the underwater cliffs.