blackfishes

Noun

blackfish (plural blackfishes or blackfish)

1. (Scotland) An Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, especially a female after spawning.
2. Any of various dark-colored fish of the Old World, especially the rudderfish (Centrolophus niger).
3. The pilot whale (Globicephalus spp.).
   • The members of this genus, known as ‘Ca’ing Whales,’ ‘Pilot Whales,’ and ‘Blackfish,’ are found in all seas and grow to a considerable size.1891, William Thomas Blanford, Mammalia, Volume 8, Taylor & Francis, page 577
4. The killer whale (Orcinus orca).
   • A large skeleton of the blackfish (Orca sp.) has been prepared, articulated and mounted by the Curator, Mr. Roblin, and is a great acquisition to the Museum.1869, Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania, Royal Society of Tasmania, page 76
5. (Canada, US) Either of two dark-colored fish of the west Atlantic, the tautog of New England (Tautoga onitis) and the black sea bass (Centropristis striata).
6. (Australia, New Zealand) Any of various dark-colored fishes of Australasia, especially the luderick (Girella tricuspidata), and a freshwater fish, Gadopsis marmoratus.
   • The creek was reputed to contain blackfish and Nathan […] arranged the extraordinary collection of American lures he had inherited from an uncle.1985, Peter Carey, Illywhacker, Faber and Faber, published 2003, page 337

See all 8 meanings of blackfish