Definition

A type of fish that carries its eggs and young in its mouth for protection, commonly found in certain genera like Haplochromis and Tilapia.

Example

The mouthbreeder carefully protects its eggs by keeping them in its mouth until they hatch.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a mouthbreeder?

Yeah, I think they’re those fish that carry their eggs in their mouths, right?

Exactly! I’ve been thinking about getting one for my aquarium.

That sounds cool! They can be really interesting to watch.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mouthbreeder → It is formed from "mouth" (from Old English "muð", meaning the opening of the face used for eating and speaking) and "breeder" (from Old English "bredan", meaning to produce or raise). The term "mouthbreeder" refers to an organism that carries and nurtures its young in its mouth.

Memory Tip

Think of a creature that 'produces' ('breeder') its young in its 'mouth' — that's why it's called a mouthbreeder.

Visually Confused Words