1. A dwelling place, especially for a wild animal.
In the context of schools of fish "lair" is applied to species such as moray eels who hide between coral reefs or inside holes waiting to ambush their prey.
Here are some specific examples of how the term "lair" applies to schools of fish:
- Lionfish: Lionfish are often found in coral reefs, where they use their long fins to hide among the branches. They wait for smaller fish to swim by, then use their venomous spines to stun and capture them.
- Groupers: Groupers are another type of fish that are known to lair. They typically live in caves or under ledges, where they can find shelter from predators and ambush prey.
- Snappers: Snappers are carnivorous fish that eat smaller fish, squid, and crabs. They will often create lairs near coral reefs or underwater structures, where they can wait for prey to swim by.