Results for “sp.”

opercle

Bone forming the upper, posterior portion of the operculum, sometimes bearing spines or spine-like structures. Normally the largest of the bones comprising the operculum.

Used in 149 profiles

adaptive radiation

Speciation of a taxonomic group into several forms, each specialised to fill a previously vacant ecological niche, as exemplified by Rift Lake cichlids, for example.

Used in 60 profiles

aff.

Abbreviation of the word 'affinis', meaning related but not identical to. Used in the fields of systematics and taxonomy when referring to undescribed specimens or populations that resemble, but are clearly different to, a described species.

altruism

Behaviour benefitting other individuals of the same species, whether or not they are the offspring of the individual concerned. Frequently detrimental to the individual but favouring the spread or survival of its genes.

amphidromy

A form of diadromy in which fishes migrate between fresh and marine water as part of their life cycle for some purpose other than spawning, e.g., newly-hatched, arvae may be swept downstream into the sea where they spend a period of time before migrating back into fresh water to mature and eventually reproduce.

Used in 15 profiles

batch fecundity

The number of eggs released by a serial spawner during a single spawning event.

biodiversity

The number, variety, and genetic variation of organisms found within a specified geographic region, both within and between species and ecosystems. Often used as a measure of overall ecosystem health.

Used in 16 profiles

biotope aquarium

Arguably misapplied term used fashionably when describing an aquarium set up to resemble the natural habitat of specific fish(es) including replication of water chemistry, vegetation and sympatric fish species.

Used in 17 profiles

bycatch

Species other than the target caught incidentally when fishing with a net. Sometimes used when referring to aberrant specimens exported among shipments of wild-collected ornamental fishes.

Used in 49 profiles

cartilage

Specialised, toughened, elastic, fibrous connective tissue found in various parts of the body and forming the temporary skeleton in embryonic and very young fishes, but mostly lost as the majority of species mature. Retained throughout life in cartilaginous fishes.

Used in 26 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.

cf.

Abbreviation of the word 'confer', meaning 'compare with'. Used in the fields of systematics and taxonomy to denote specimens or populations that resemble a described taxon but differ in some respects and thus may or may not represent a distinct species.

cheirotype

A type specimen of a species that only appears in an unpublished source.

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

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

egg scatterer

A species spawning above the bottom which scatters demersal eggs randomly.

Used in 81 profiles

fusiform

Spindle-shaped; tapering at each end.

genus

Taxonomic group into which a family is divided and which contains one or more species characterised by a shared trait or traits. The generic name is used, either alone or followed by one or two specific epithets, to form a binomen or trinomen.

Used in 1,386 profiles

holotype

The single specimen designated as the name-bearing type of a nominal species or subspecies.

Used in 36 profiles

interdorsal

In species possessing more than a single dorsal fin, the space between the first and second fins.