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ronquil

fish
Also known as: Bathymasteridae

Quick Summary

The term "ronquil" refers to any of several marine percoid fishes belonging to the family Bathymasteridae. These fish are native to the northwest coast of North America and bear a resemblance to jawfishes. The word "ronquil" is of American Spanish origin, derived from "ronquillo," a diminutive of "ronco". The first known use of the term dates back to 1882.1

It is important to note that "ronquil" is distinct from "rabbitfish," which are a different family of marine fish (Siganidae) found in tropical waters worldwide. Rabbitfish are known for their algae-grazing habits and possess sharp, poisonous spines on their fins.2

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. ronquil
  2. rabbitfish

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