"A key hanger perhaps? Slide the bottom jaw forward, place keyring, slide back."

"So, my grandma had something similar to this growing up, but it was plain, not decorative or fish shaped, but the design was the same. She used hers as a counter top dish towel clip. It laid flat on the counter, with the teeth hanging over the edge. She’d slide the top out, hang the towel on the extension, then slide it back. The teeth would hold the towel and let it dry. So…maybe that?"