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Let me introduce you to the delightfully ridiculous-sounding fish — the boops boops
Even though it sounds like something your nephew would name a pet goldfish, boops boops is a legit species found in European waters.
And while it isn't native to Malaysia, the silly name has turned into a bit of an online meme — leading many to ask, "What kind of scientist would name a fish that?!"
Image via r/memes (Reddit)
Image via Animal of the Day (Facebook)
Boops boops is a type of sea bream found in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean
Also commonly known as the bogue, boop boops are medium-sized marine fish in the Sparidae family, which includes other types of bream and porgies.
You'll find them off the coasts of Spain, Portugal, North Africa, and around the Mediterranean.
They usually measure around 30cm to 35cm in length and are silvery in colour with large eyes.
Image via Deep Marine Scenes (YouTube)
In fact, the name comes from the Greek word boōps, which literally means "cow eye" — probably referring to the fish's oversized peepers
So no, the name isn't a joke. It's just ancient Greek science being a little too literal.
Image via r/TheDepthsBelow (Reddit)
While the name sounds ridiculous, boops boops is quite a common food source in countries like Greece, Turkey, and Italy
It's usually grilled or pan-fried and served whole, much like how we enjoy ikan kembung or selar goreng in Malaysia.
They're not considered a premium catch like sea bass or snapper, but they're abundant, affordable, and nutritious, making them a staple in Mediterranean diets.
Image via Aquarium Boka
So, the next time someone brings up a weird animal name, hit them with boops boops — the fish that's as fun to say as it is to eat 😛
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Image via SAYS
