capitan

capitan — noun

1. a large saltwater fish with a long snout and bright coloring, belonging to the w

1.noun
Definition

a large saltwater fish with a long snout and bright coloring, belonging to the wrasse family, found in warm parts of the western Atlantic Ocean and caught for food.

Example

Liam caught a large capitan while fishing off the coast of Florida last summer.

collocation: catch a capitan

The fish market in Miami sold fresh capitan for eight dollars a pound.

fresh capitan at market

Common collocations
  • catch a capitan
  • fresh capitan
  • grilled capitan
  • capitan fillet
  • spear a capitan
Synonyms
  • hogfish

    the more common everyday name for the same fish; 'capitan' is less frequently used outside fishing communities

Grammar Patterns

capitan + verb (singular)

Usage Note

Commonly referred to as 'hogfish' in everyday speech. 'Capitan' is less frequent and may be considered the more scientific or regional name.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Capitan' and 'hogfish' refer to the same species (Lachnolaimus maximus), but 'hogfish' is far more common in everyday fishing and restaurant contexts across the Americas. 'Capitan' is used regionally, especially in areas with Spanish-language influence. 'Wrasse' is a broader family name (Labridae) that includes over 600 species worldwide — calling a hogfish simply 'a wrasse' is accurate but loses the specific identity. In a fish market, ask for 'hogfish'; in a biology text, either 'capitan' or 'hogfish' works.

capitan ↗hogfishwrasse

Etymology

SpanishEnglish

'Capitan' comes from Spanish 'capitán' meaning 'captain' or 'chief', likely referring to the fish's large size and the prominent hump on its forehead, which gives it a commanding appearance. The name entered English through American fishing communities that had contact with Spanish-speaking Caribbean and Gulf Coast fishermen.