Glossary

hypural

Of, relating to, forming or being one of the partially-fused hemal spines that support the caudal fin rays in most teleosts.

Used in 19 species profiles

caudal-fin
Also referred to as the tail fin, it's main purpose is thrust and propulsion.
parahypural
Most ventrally-located of the hypural elements.
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.
ray
Any of the bony spines supporting the membrane of a fish's fin including both spines and soft rays.
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.
teleost
Any member of the infraclass Teleostei, a large group of ray-finned fishes containing most of those with a bony skeleton.