Glossary

ascending process
A vertical process on the anterior part of the premaxillary bone in most teleosts.
body depth
The vertical distance between the dorsal and ventral margins of the body measured at the base of the pectoral fin where it joins the body. In most icthyological works the greatest dimension, normally anterior to the dorsal fin, is taken but in some cases body depth is measured at the origin of pectoral, pelvic and first anal. Fins or fin bases are not included in the measurement, however.
dentary
Anterior, largest and usually only tooth-bearing bone in the mandible.
dorsal-fin
Median, rayed, unpaired fin located on the dorsal surface (back) of most fishes. Its main purpose is to prevent the animal rolling and enable it to turn sharply. Some species possess more than one dorsal fin, in which case the anterior one is referred to as the first.
ethmoid
Unpaired skull bone located on the anterior part of the neurocranium and forming a section of the nasal cavity.
gonopodium
Modified anal fin used in copulation for the transfer of male gametes to a female. In many cases only the anterior part of the fin is modified.
lacrimal
Bone forming the lower, anterior section of the eye socket and normally the largest of the suborbital bones. Also known as the lachrymal or preorbital.
nasal canal
Section of the cephalic lateral line canal anterior to the eyes.
Ostariophysan
Fish of the superorder Ostariophysi, members of which are characterised by possession of a Weberian apparatus, i.e., the anterior four or five vertebrae are modified as a protective casing for the bony ossicles which connect the inner ear and swim bladder. The order contains such orders as Cypriniformes, Characiformes, Gymnotiformes, and Siluriformes.
pectoral girdle
Bony or cartilaginous structure supporting the forelimbs or anterior fins in vertebrates.
pectoral-fin
Anterior, paired fin attached to the pectoral girdle of fishes, usually just behind the opercle and corresponding to the forelimbs of higher vertebrates. Assists in controlling direction of movement and swimming speed. Frequently abbreviated to 'P' or 'P1' in scientific papers.
pre-
Anterior; in front of.
preanal
Area or region anterior to the anus.
predorsal
Area or region anterior to the first dorsal fin.
preocular
Anterior or in front of the eye.
preorbital
Bone forming the lower, anterior section of the eye socket and normally the largest of the suborbital bones. Also known as the lacrimal or lachrymal bone.
pseudotympanum
Translucent, triangular area in the humeral region, behind the opercle, without muscle and where the anterior part of the gas bladder is in direct contact with the skin. It is hypothesised to function as a hearing aid in many juvenile characoids and is present in adults of certain species, notably members of the family Cheirodontidae.
rostral barbel
Anterior maxillary barbel.
snout
The projecting mouthparts, jaws, or part of the head anterior to the eyes.
terminal
In ichthyology, situated at or forming the end of, e.g., a 'terminal' mouth is located at the anterior-most part of the head.
terminal mouth
Mouth located at the anterior-most part of the head with upper and lower jaws of equal length.
tripus
The hindmost Weberian ossicle of the Weberian apparatus, touching the anterior wall of the swimbladder and connected to the intercalarium by a dense, elongate ligament.
vomer
Thin, anterior, flattened bone dividing the nostrils in most vertebrates. Sometimes bears teeth.

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Used in 401 species profiles