What is the primary meaning of the Latin term 'obesus' in *Thunnus obesus*?
Answer
Deep body and substantial girth
The species epithet *obesus* is derived from Latin and translates directly to mean "fat" or "corpulent." This descriptive term was likely chosen by the original namer because it accurately refers to the physical appearance of the Bigeye Tuna, specifically noting its deep body and substantial girth when compared to other tuna species. This physical trait, related to its overall morphology, is an intrinsic characteristic used in its naming, contrasting with other descriptors related to locomotion or family lineage.
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