Glossary

gill

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Respiratory organ of fishes and some other aquatic organisms comprising a highly-vascularised membrane or outgrowth.

Used in 315 species profiles

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Related terms

arthrobranch
A decapod gill associated with the articular membrane between the coxa of an appendage and the body.
branchial
Relating to, of, or resembling the gills of a fish.
branchial arch
One of the bony or cartilaginous arches situated on either side of the pharynx that form the support for the gills.
branchial cavity
Cavity located inside the mouth and enclosing the gills; also known as 'gill cavity'.
branchiostegal membrane
The membrane, sometimes referred to as the gill membrane, connecting the branchiostegal rays and enclosing the ventral portion of the branchial cavity. Normally extended when the opercle of a fish is open, sealing the branchial cavity and creating a vacuum in the mouth, and also used during threat, courtship and other communicative behaviours in many species.
Chilonodella
Genus of unicellular, ciliated protozoa; some species are parasites of the skin and gills in freshwater fishes.
columnaris
Disease symptom resulting from infection by the bacterium Flavobacterium columnare which is ubiquitous in freshwater environments. Often mistaken for a fungal infection due to its appearance and is referred to variously as mouth rot, mouth fungus, fin rot, gill fungus, body fungus, saddleback columnaris, and cotton wool disease. Highly contagious and usually fatal unless treated with antibiotics or other.
costiasis
Disease of freshwater fishes caused by species of parasitic flagellate protozoa from the genus Ichthyobodo and more accurately referred to as ichthyobodiosis. It attacks the gills, fins and skin with symptoms including an increase body mucus secretion giving rise to the vernacular term 'skin slime disease'. Can be treated using proprietary products but frequently fatal otherwise.
gill filament
Comb-like lamellae found in the gills, through which oxygen is extracted and carbon dioxide expelled.
gill net
Type of net normally suspended vertically in such a way that fish become ensnared by their gills.
ich
Common name for Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a protozoan which infects freshwater fish. Commonly referred to as white spot due to the characteristic white nodules formed under the skin or gill tissue during the feeding stage of its life cycle.
membrane
Thin, usually flexible layer of tissue covering, lining, separating, or connecting cells or parts of an organism.
operculum
Flap composed of 4 bones that covers, supports and protects the gill opening in many fishes. Also known as gill flap or gill cover.
pseudobranch
Accessory or spurious gill, often located on the inner surface of the operculum in various fishes, that is usually small and sometimes completely obscured beneath the epithelium. Also referred to as pseudobranchia.
suprabranchial
Above the gills.
vascularised
Containing vessels that carry or circulate fluids, especially blood.

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