black swallower (Chiasmodon niger)
A deep-sea fish known for its ability to swallow prey larger than itself. The name is usually written in katakana.
The black swallower is a deep-sea fish known for swallowing prey larger than itself.
Standard katakana spelling for this deep-sea fish name.
Kanji spelling is rare and mainly found in taxonomic contexts; the word is usually written in kana.
The name combines 鬼 (oni, 'ogre') + 坊主 (bōzu, 'monk' or 'boy') + 鱚 (kisu, 'sillago'), likely referring to its grotesque appearance and large mouth. The exact origin is uncertain.