noun
- plural of swellfish; fish that can inflate their bodies when threatened, such as pufferfish
Usage: marine biology
Examples
- The aquarium’s tropical section featured several species of swellfishes.
- Swellfishes defend themselves by rapidly inflating their bodies with water or air.
- Marine biologists study how swellfishes use their inflation mechanism as a survival strategy.
- The diver observed colorful swellfishes swimming near the coral reef.
- Some swellfishes contain toxins that make them dangerous to predators.
- The documentary showed swellfishes transforming from sleek swimmers to spiky balls.