American record holders initially behaved like aquatic animals (8)
I believe the answer is:
blotters
'american record holders' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.
'initially behaved like aquatic animals' is the wordplay.
'initially' suggests taking the first letters.
'aquatic animals' becomes 'otters' (I've seen this in another clue).
The first letters of 'behaved like' is 'bl'.
'bl'+'otters'='BLOTTERS'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Another definition for blotters that I've seen is " Absorbent papers to dry ink".)