Glossary

epibranchial

Bone or cartilage forming the upper part of the gill arch, positioned between the ceratobranchial and pharyngobranchial.

Used in 90 species profiles

cartilage
Specialised, toughened, elastic, fibrous connective tissue found in various parts of the body and forming the temporary skeleton in embryonic and very young fishes, but mostly lost as the majority of species mature. Retained throughout life in cartilaginous fishes.
ceratobranchial
Longest bones or cartilages of the branchial arches, located beneath the epibranchials.
gill arch
Bony or cartilaginous arch in the pharynx to which the gill filaments and rakers are attached.
labyrinth organ
Highly folded, vascularised, suprabranchial accessory breathing organ formed via extension of the first epibranchial bone and used to respire atmospheric oxygen. Found in all members of the freshwater fish suborder Anabantoidei.