Glossary

snout

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The projecting mouthparts, jaws, or part of the head anterior to the eyes.

Used in 290 species profiles

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Related terms

anterior
Located near or towards the head; forward in position.
fork length
Length of a fish specimen measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the medial caudal fin rays, i.e., the deepest point of the 'fork' formed by the fin. Tends not to be used in systematics.
gape length
Straight-line measurement from the snout tip to the angle of the mouth.
infraorbital canal
Section of the lateral-line system located below the eye. Almost extends to the snout.
jaw
Any of the bony or cartilaginous structures forming the framework of the mouth, usually vertically opposed, often bearing teeth and primarily used for acquisition of food. Often modified in fishes to form complex protrusible or sucking arrangements, for example.
lacrimal groove
Small groove located on the lower margin of the snout, just above the upper lip, in some fishes. Formed by a fold of skin under the edge of the lacrimal bone.
rostral
In fishes, of, like, or associated with the snout.
rostral fold
A groove between lip and snout.
rostral spine
Median dorsal structure located on the snout in certain fishes.
rostrum
In fishes, the snout.
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.
subterminal mouth
Mouth oriented and opening primarily forward but also somewhat ventrally, i.e., the upper jaw and snout clearly extend beyond the lower jaw
total length
Straight line measurement of specimen's length taken from the tip of the snout to the tip of the longer lobe of the caudal fin, if applicable, and not taking the curve of the body into account. If the caudal lobes are of equal length they may be compressed along the midline before the measurement is taken. Abbreviated to TL.

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