Shark tank, perhaps (8) - Crossword Clue
Answer: AQUARIUM
Understanding the Crossword Clue Construction
- Crossword setters often use the phrase "perhaps" to indicate a broader category or example relationship. In this case, a shark tank is indeed one specific type of aquarium.
- The clue employs misdirection by potentially making solvers think of the entrepreneurial TV show first, before realizing the answer refers to the physical container itself.
- The eight-letter constraint perfectly matches AQUARIUM, making it an ideal fit for standard crossword grids.
- This clue commonly appears in major publications like the New York Times, LA Times, and Guardian crosswords, typically rated at medium difficulty due to its straightforward definition combined with subtle misdirection.
Related Crossword Clues and Answers
- Similar crossword clues you might encounter include "Fish container (8)" or "Marine habitat (8)," both leading to AQUARIUM.
- Alternative eight-letter answers for water-related clues might include FISHBOWL, though this typically appears as two words or with different letter counts.
- The plural form AQUARIUMS or AQUARIA might appear in nine-letter slots, while abbreviated versions or related terms like TANK (4 letters), VIVARIUM (8 letters for reptile enclosures), or TERRARIUM (9 letters for plant containers) frequently show up in crossword puzzles.
Tips for Solving Similar Crossword Clues
- Look for qualifier words: Terms like "perhaps," "maybe," "possibly," or "say" often indicate the answer represents one example of a broader category rather than a direct synonym.
- Consider letter patterns: With eight letters, check if the crossing answers suggest common patterns like -ARIUM endings, which appear frequently in scientific and Latin-derived terms.
- Think beyond the obvious: When clues reference popular culture (like "Shark Tank" the TV show), the answer usually relates to the literal meaning rather than the entertainment reference.
- Use crossing letters strategically: If you have even 2-3 letters from intersecting answers, the word AQUARIUM becomes much easier to identify, especially with distinctive letters like Q or U.
- Remember common crossword vocabulary: AQUARIUM appears frequently in puzzles because it's a familiar concept with useful letter combinations and multiple entry points for clue construction.
Shark tank, perhaps (8) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Can "shark tank" literally mean aquarium in crosswords?
A: Yes, absolutely. In crossword terminology, a shark tank is precisely one type of aquarium, making this a legitimate definition-style clue rather than cryptic wordplay.
Q: Why is the TV show "Shark Tank" relevant to this clue?
A: The clue uses misdirection—solvers might initially think of the business show, but the answer refers to the literal water container. This dual meaning makes the clue more interesting and challenging.
Q: Are there other 8-letter words that could fit this clue?
A: AQUARIUM is the definitive answer for this clue structure. While FISHBOWL has eight letters, it's typically styled as two words or hyphenated, making AQUARIUM the standard solution.
Q: What difficulty level is this clue?
A: Most crossword editors rate this as medium difficulty—easy enough once you understand the misdirection, but tricky enough to cause brief hesitation for solvers focused on the TV show reference.
Q: How often does AQUARIUM appear in crosswords?
A: This word appears regularly in major crossword puzzles, approximately 2-3 times per month across major publications, due to its useful letter pattern and multiple cluing possibilities.
