Glossary

meristic character

A countable trait, e.g., the number of rays in a fin, gill rakers, lateral line scales, etc..

Used in 4 species profiles

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.
lateral line scale
Any visibly-pored scale of the lateral line system, counts of which are often used as an identifying feature.
mode
The value or item occurring most frequently in a series of observations or statistical data. Often quoted in relation to a meristic character or characters.
ray
Any of the bony spines supporting the membrane of a fish's fin including both spines and soft rays.
trait
Genetically determined characteristic or condition; distinguishing feature.