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Definition of flashlightfish
flashlightfish
/ˈflæʃ.laɪt.fɪʃ/
flash · light · fish
Plural:flashlightfishes
flashlightfish Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
11
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
Any of various small, nocturnal marine fishes of the family Anomalopidae, characterized by large bioluminescent organs located beneath their eyes which they use to communicate, attract prey, and evade predators.
Example
"During the night dive in the Indo-Pacific, we observed a school of flashlightfish blinking their luminous organs in the dark waters."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
A compound of 'flashlight' and 'fish', named for the prominent bioluminescent organs beneath their eyes that can be mechanically covered or uncovered, resembling the operation of a flashlight.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Flashlightfish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/flashlightfish