Glossary

caudal-fin

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Also referred to as the tail fin, it's main purpose is thrust and propulsion.

Used in 796 species profiles

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Related terms

acuminate
Tapering or pointed. Used to describe the shape of the caudal fin in some fishes.
anal-fin
A median, unpaired, ventral fin located between the anus and caudal fin, usually in the posterior portion of the body. Used to maintain equilibrium and stability.
basicaudal
At or on the base of the caudal fin.
caudal
Towards the poterior or caudal fin.
caudal filament
Filamentous extensions of the caudal fin tips seen in some fishes.
caudal peduncle
The typically narrow section of the body located between the posterior of the dorsal and anal fins and caudal fin origin. Its depth is measured vertically at the narrowest point.
emarginate
Having a notched margin or edge. Often used in reference to a caudal fin with a slightly concave shape.
epaxial lobe
Section of the caudal fin located between the base and dorsal margin.
epural
Located on the dorsal side of the caudal fin; elongate bone which supports the caudal fin rays, positioned above the urostyle and posterior to the last neural spine.
fork length
Length of a fish specimen measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the medial caudal fin rays, i.e., the deepest point of the 'fork' formed by the fin. Tends not to be used in systematics.
forked
Divided or separated into two branches; shaped like a fork. Used to describe the shape of the caudal fin in some fishes.
hypural
Of, relating to, forming or being one of the partially-fused hemal spines that support the caudal fin rays in most teleosts.
hypural bones
Series of bones to which the caudal fin rays are attached.
keel
Ridgelike structure located on the ventral surface, caudal peduncle or caudal fin base in certain fishes.
lanceolate
Lance or spear-shaped; gradually tapering to a point. Used to describe the shape of a caudal fin with long central rays.
lateral scale rows
The number of more-or-less vertically-arranged scale rows present between the upper end of the gill opening and the caudal fin base. Sometimes referred to as vertical scale rows and used in meristic counts when the lateral line is absent, incompletely pored or otherwise difficult to distinguish.
lunate
Crescent-shaped. Sometimes used to describe a caudal fin with a deeply emarginate shape.
oxycercal
Used in reference to a caudal fin with a tapering shape.
postdorsal length
The distance between the dorsal fin insertion/origin and caudal fin base.
precaudal
In front of the caudal fin or posterior end of the body.
principle caudal-fin rays
Fin rays forming the dorsal or ventral margins of the caudal fin, supported by the supported by the hypural and parahypural.
standard length
Measurement taken from the tip of the snout to the midlateral, posterior edge of the hypural plate or posterior edge of the last vertebra, thus excluding the caudal fin. May also exclude the length of the lower jaw should it project beyond the snout. It is the standard scientific measurement used for most fish species because the caudal fin easily becomes damaged in preserved specimens. Abbreviated to SL.
total length
Straight line measurement of specimen's length taken from the tip of the snout to the tip of the longer lobe of the caudal fin, if applicable, and not taking the curve of the body into account. If the caudal lobes are of equal length they may be compressed along the midline before the measurement is taken. Abbreviated to TL.
truncate
Having a blunt, square, or even end; ending abruptly as if cut off across the base or tip. Often used in reference to caudal fin shape.
vertebral column
The backbone; the spine; in fishes, the vertebrae running from skull to caudal fin which protect the spinal cord and haemal artery as well as providing attachment for certain muscles used for swimming.

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