Glossary

pectoral-fin

Anterior, paired fin attached to the pectoral girdle of fishes, usually just behind the opercle and corresponding to the forelimbs of higher vertebrates.

Assists in controlling direction of movement and swimming speed.

Frequently abbreviated to 'P' or 'P1' in scientific papers.

Used in 510 species profiles

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Related terms

anterior
Located near or towards the head; forward in position.
axil
The upper angle between a fin and the body of a fish, most often used in reference to the pectoral fin.
body depth
The vertical distance between the dorsal and ventral margins of the body measured at the base of the pectoral fin where it joins the body. In most icthyological works the greatest dimension, normally anterior to the dorsal fin, is taken but in some cases body depth is measured at the origin of pectoral, pelvic and first anal. Fins or fin bases are not included in the measurement, however.
cleithral spot
Variably-sized (depending on species), usually dark marking present in the cleithral area dorsal to the pectoral fin insertion. Normally visible externally in llive specimens.
cleithrum
Major bone of the pectoral girdle. Extends upward from the pectoral fin base and forms the rear margin of the branchial cavity. Articulates with the supracleithrum dorsally, the scapula and coracoid ventrally. Also known as proscapulum.
coracoid
Paired endochondral bone located at the base of the pectoral fin upon which rest the pterygials or actinosts. Attaches to the cleithrum anteriorly.
humeral process
Bony process extending posteriorly from the pectoral girdle, above the base of the pectoral fin. Present only in certain fishes.
humeral spot
A marking on the body in the area analogous to the humerus, or shoulder. In fishes it's normally located above the pectoral-fin and behind the opercle. There may be more than a single such spot in some species.
jugular
Of or relating to the neck or throat. Sometimes used in reference to a fish possessing pelvic fins located in front of the pectoral fins.
lamina circularis
Bony process or plate at the base of the first ( unbranched ) and second ( first branched ) ray of the pectoral-fin in most male specimens of the family Cobitidae. It is also known as 'Canestrini's scale'.
opercle
Bone forming the upper, posterior portion of the operculum, sometimes bearing spines or spine-like structures. Normally the largest of the bones comprising the operculum.
pectoral
Of, relating to or located on the chest, breast, or thorax; used to refer to a single pectoral fin in relation to fishes.
pectoral girdle
Bony or cartilaginous structure supporting the forelimbs or anterior fins in vertebrates.
scapula
Paired bone attached to the pterygials, actinosts or radials of the pectoral fin. Articulates ventrally with the coracoid and anteriorly with the cleithrum.
vertebrate
An organism possessing a backbone or spinal column.

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