Marlin-spike fish (1907)

[James A. Landau]

In a message dated 01/20/2003 6:25:26 PM Eastern Standard Time,
Bapopik at AOL.COM writes:

> _Tetrapterus mitzukurri_, the Marlin-spike fish, heretofore known from
Japan;

I wonder if there is a sailor's play on words here.  A "marlinspike" is a
device used by sailors for knotting and splicing, hence "marlinspike
seamanship" the art of tying knots and making splices.

"Tetra-pterus" = "four wings"???

    - Jim Landau