Results for “pre-”

automatic feeder

Automated device used to regulate feeding of prepared foods to fishes in the aquarium hobby and intensive aquaculture.

bacteria

Large group of prokaryotic microorganisms representing one of the three domains of living organisms. Present in the majority of Earth's habitats as well as organic matter and the bodies of live animals. Most are harmless, some beneficial and others pathogenic.

Used in 14 profiles

basibranchial

Of, being, or relating to a median ventral cartilage or bony element located at the ventral point of a branchial arch, behind the tongue if the latter is present.

batesian mimicry

A form of protective mimicry whereby a harmless species closely resembles an unpalatable or harmful species thus reducing the potential of predation.

bioball

Type of biological filter medium consisting of a plastic ball designed in such a way that the available surface area for bacterial colonisation is maximised. The precise form differs depending on manufacturer.

biomass

The total mass of living matter present in a given individual, habitat, population, or sample.

biotic

Consisiting of, associated with or derived from living organisms. Biotic factors in an environment include the organisms themselves plus predation, competition and other interrelationships.

bogwood

Non-petrified wood that has been preserved in a peat bog, often used as decoration in aquaria.

Used in 114 profiles

carbonate hardness

Measure of the alkalinity of water as dictated by the presence of bicarbonate and carbonate ions. Usually expressed as parts per million, milligrams per litre, or degrees (dKH) of which 1 dKH corresponds to 17.848 ppm. Sometimes used a synonym for, but not equivalent to, temporary hardness.

Used in 65 profiles

caudal peduncle scale count

Count often used in species descriptions and comparisons, made by counting the number of scales present around the narrowest part of the caudal peduncle.

Cenozoic (Era)

Current and most recent of the three Phanerozoic geological eras, immediately following the Mesozoic Era and covering the period from 65.5 mya to the present. Also known as the 'Age of Mammals' due to the great diversification occurring among that group, it's divided into three periods: Paleogene, Neogene, and Quaternary; and seven epochs: Paleocene, Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, Pliocene, Pleistocene, and Holocene.

Used in 8 profiles

cephalopod

Any marine mollusc of the class Cephalopoda which includes octopus, squid, cuttlefish, and nautilus. Characterised by possession of a large head and eyes, prehensile tentacles, and, in most species, a specialised sac containing a dark, inky fluid used in defensive behaviour.

cladistics

Taxonomical method used to classify species of organisms into clades, each of which contains an ancestor organism and all its descendants, based on synapomorphies (shared derived characters). Cladistic classifications are usually presented in the form of a cladogram.

clavicle

Refers to the collar bone in human anatomy. Present in the pectoral girdle of some fishes as a paired, dermal bone ventral to or fused with the cleithrum.

Used in 1 profile

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.

Used in 17 profiles

conical teeth

Cone-shaped teeth present in some fishes.

Used in 30 profiles

conservation

Preservation, protection, or restoration of wildlife and the natural environment.

Used in 87 profiles

contact organ

Dermal, bony growth or spicule normally protruding from one or more fin rays or scale margins. Present on parts of the body or fins that come into contact with the female during spawning in males of some fishes.

Used in 9 profiles

crustacean

Any member of the predominantly aquatic arthropod grouping Crustacea which currently contains almost 70,000 recognised species, including all crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimp, krill and barnacles. It's difficult to define their characteristics since the group is of arguable hierarchical status, generally regarded to represent either a Phylum or Subphylum.

Used in 421 profiles

derived

Used in phylogenetics in reference to a character or character state not present in the ancestral form of a species; apomorphic.

Used in 190 profiles