Results for “pre-”

dermal bone

Bone-type ossifying directly from connective tissue membranes and thus lacking a cartilaginous predecessor. Tend to be more numerous in primitive fish forms.

Used in 5 profiles

designation

In icthyology, the nomenclatural act by which the type specimen of a previously or newly-established genus, subgenus, species, or subspecies is fixed via an express statement.

Used in 6 profiles

dichotomy

A division of organisms into two groups, typically based on a characteristic present in one group and absent in the other.

DNA

Abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, a double-stranded, self-replicating genetic material comprised of a chain of nucleotides. Present in nearly all living organisms and is the main constituent of chromosomes. DNA segments containing genetic instructions are called genes and normally direct production and activity of RNA.

Used in 11 profiles

dorsal-fin

Median, rayed, unpaired fin located on the dorsal surface (back) of most fishes. Its main purpose is to prevent the animal rolling and enable it to turn sharply. Some species possess more than one dorsal fin, in which case the anterior one is referred to as the first.

Used in 860 profiles

electroreceptor

Sensory organ present in some fishes. Used to detect electrical current.

Used in 4 profiles

epibranchial organ

Present in some microphagous fishes and comprises a paired dorsal diverticulum located towards the posterior of the pharynx. In the majority of species it's divided into two sections by additional gill rakers which trap small food particles.

ex gr.

Abbreviation of the Latin ex grege, meaning 'from the herd, of the group'. Sometimes used between the generic and specific parts of a binomial name when the precise species is not known but the organism can be identified as belonging to a named group of species.

Used in 2 profiles

feral

Existing in a wild or uncultivated state; returning or transferring to such a state having previously been domesticated.

Used in 26 profiles

first reviser

The first author to cite different names published on the same date and select one of them to take precedence over the other(s).

flood plain

Low plain bordering a river channel, subject to periodic flooding. Often composed of sediment deposited during previous flooding events.

Used in 10 profiles

formaldehyde

Colourless, organic gas used as a preservative when dissolved in water, in which form it is often known as formalin.

Used in 1 profile

formalin

Aqueous solution of formaldehyde used as a preservative for biological specimens.

freeze-dried food

Fish food preserved by rapid freezing and drying in a vacuum.

gene

Basic hereditary unit comprising a sequence of nuceleotides within a strand of DNA or RNA and occupying a fixed position on a chromosome. Generally determines a particular character or trait present in an organism by directing production and activity of RNA.

Used in 10 profiles

gill raker

Any of the bony processes located on the gill arch which function to either retain food items or otherwise prevent solid matter from entering the gill chamber. Vary in number and size depending on taxon and therefore useful in identification.

Used in 88 profiles

gravid

Pregnant or egg-bound; carrying eggs or young.

Used in 207 profiles

gut loading

Process by which live prey is raised and fed nutritious foods prior to use, e.g., feeding crickets on dried fish food or fresh vegetables before being offered to the fish.

Used in 4 profiles

humeral process

Bony process extending posteriorly from the pectoral girdle, above the base of the pectoral fin. Present only in certain fishes.

Used in 8 profiles

identification key

Printed or computer-aided table or other device assisting identification of species. Normally presented in the form of a single-access key.

Used in 4 profiles