karanteen, noun
- Forms:
- Also karantine.
- Origin:
- Unknown; perhaps from an Indian language (see quotation 1949).
1. Any of several species of seabream of the Sparidae. a. obsolete. The zebra, Diplodus cervinus hottentotus. b. Crenidens crenidens. c. The strepie, Sarpa salpa.
- Note:
- In Smith and Heemstra’s Smiths' Sea Fishes (1986), the name ‘karanteen’ is used for Crenidens crenidens.
1905 Natal Mercury Pictorial 334 (Pettman)The fish pictured to-day is a Karantine. It is a local species, and so far as I know had not been classified.
1979 Snyman & Klarie Free from Sea 54Streepie, Bamboo/Mooi Nooitjie/Karanteen. Most streepies are too small to rate as important table fishes; they must be cooked very fresh, as the flesh rapidly softens.
2. Formerly also with distinguishing epithet, designating a particular species of karanteen:
1930 C.L. Biden Sea-Angling Fishes 62Mackerel, mullet, sardine and bamboo-fish (Natal karanteen) are the best lures.
1947 K.H. Barnard Pict. Guide to S. Afr. Fishes 152White Karanteen (Crenidens crenidens)..Silvery, greenish or bluish above narrow dark longitudinal stripes.
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