Glossary

gill chamber

Chambers located on either side of the head into which the gill filaments project.

Used in 2 species profiles

gill filament
Comb-like lamellae found in the gills, through which oxygen is extracted and carbon dioxide expelled.
gill opening
Opening connecting the gill chamber to the exterior environment. Also referred to as the gill slit.
gill raker
Any of the bony processes located on the gill arch which function to either retain food items or otherwise prevent solid matter from entering the gill chamber. Vary in number and size depending on taxon and therefore useful in identification.
isthmus
Narrow strip of land connecting two larger areas, or a narrow strip of tissue connecting two larger body parts. In ichthyology often used in reference to the fleshy throat region of a fish which externally separates the two gill chambers.