Any of a number of deep-bodied edible marine fishes.
the black sea bream of European Atlantic waters (Spondyliosoma cantharus, family Sparidae).
a brightly patterned tropical Atlantic triggerfish (Balistes vetula, family Balistidae).
a small brightly patterned Australian fish (Enoplosus armatus, the only member of the family Enoplosidae).
Example sentencesExamples
- Heading up the boulder slope towards Slot Cave to look for a resident school of old wives, we came across a couple of Port Jackson shark egg cases, which reminded me of WWI hand grenades.
- Porcupine fish and old wives hover near encrusted piles, while talma poke among the soft corals.
- An adult Old Wife is easily recognised by its distinctive shape and colouration.
- Large schools of old wives, bullseyes and big trevally, too wily for the fishermen, took refuge here.