Glossary

pelvic fin

Either of the pair of fins, also known as pelvic fins, attached to the pelvic girdle in fishes that help control the direction of movement. Correspond to the hind legs in higher vertebrates and vary in position depending on taxon. Sometimes absent entirely.

Used in 431 species profiles

Related terms

apode fishes
Fishes lacking pelvic fins.
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.
pelvic disc
Disc-shaped modification of the pelvic fins, which are often fused, used to adhere to surfaces via suction. Present in certain fishes, especially members of the family Gobiidae. Also known as sucking disc.
pelvic girdle
Bony or cartilaginous structure supporting the pelvic fins. Sometimes fused with the pectoral girdle.
taxon
A taxonomic group or category of any rank, such as a species, genus family, or class.
ventral disc
A sucking disc formed by the pelvic fins in certain fishes.
ventral-fin
Either of the pair of fins, also known as pelvic fins, attached to the pelvic girdle in fishes that help control the direction of movement. Correspond to the hind legs in higher vertebrates and vary in position depending on taxon. Sometimes absent entirely.
vertebrate
An organism possessing a backbone or spinal column.

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