Glossary

91 terms beginning with M · showing 81–91

1. mottled

   Marked with variable spots or streaks; blotched.

   Used in 21 profiles

2. mound spring

   Natural, isolated, relict artesian springs found in arid, outback Queensland and South Australia. Water stored in deep aquifers seeps to the surface through fault lines in the rock, and the sediments and salts within the spring water form elevated mounds as it evaporates. Most such springs support marginal plant growth that help stabilise the sediment and provide shelter for animals. In South Australia mound springs form an arc of about 400km along the south-western edge of the Great Artesian Basin, although many have disappeared in the last 100 years as a result of water extraction.

   Used in 1 profile

3. mouth rot

   See columnaris.

4. mouth-brooder

   Used in reference to fishes which brood or protect their eggs or offspring in the mouth of one or both parents.

   Used in 5 profiles

5. mucous

   Of, relating to, or resembling mucus.

   Used in 6 profiles

6. mucus

   Slimy, viscous substance used as a protective lubricant. Secreted by mucous membranes.

   Used in 7 profiles

7. mulm

   Organic sediment which typically accumulates in an aquarium.

   Used in 2 profiles

8. mutualism

   Symbiosis from which both organisms involved derive some benefit.

9. Mycobacterium

   Genus of gram-positive bacteria of the family Mycobacteriaceae, members of which cause tuberculosis in fishes and other animals.

10. mysid

    Any member of the shrimp-like crustacean order Mysidacea.

11. Mysis

    Genus of mysid crustacean of which members inhabit both marine and freshwater environments. Some species are used as fish food in aquaria, and usually available frozen.

    Used in 21 profiles