Results for “pre-”

Indian almond leaf

Vernacular name for leaves of the leadwood tropical tree species Terminalia catappa which are commonly sold dried for use in aquaria because the organic compounds contained within them are considered beneficial for certain fish species. In particular they may aid in simulation of blackwater conditions and inhibit the growth of some undesirable microorganisms, as well as proving an effective addition to a natural-looking display. Also known as Ketapang leaf, presumably in reference to the city of that name in West Kalimantan province, Indonesian Borneo.

Used in 10 profiles

infra

Below. Often used as a prefix.

Used in 2 profiles

interopercular spine

Spine located on the interopercle, present in some fishes.

Used in 3 profiles

lacrimal

Bone forming the lower, anterior section of the eye socket and normally the largest of the suborbital bones. Also known as the lachrymal or preorbital.

Used in 1 profile

lateral scale rows

The number of more-or-less vertically-arranged scale rows present between the upper end of the gill opening and the caudal fin base. Sometimes referred to as vertical scale rows and used in meristic counts when the lateral line is absent, incompletely pored or otherwise difficult to distinguish.

Used in 9 profiles

macro-

Prefix meaning large; of great size.

Used in 2 profiles

maxilla

Either of two fused bones forming the upper jaw, displaced inwardly by the premaxilla in some fishes. May bear teeth.

Used in 38 profiles

meso-

Prefix meaning middle or mid.

Used in 4 profiles

meta-

Prefix indicating change, alteration, or alternation.

Used in 42 profiles

mono-

Prefix meaning singular or unique.

Used in 9 profiles

neo-

Prefix meaning 'new'.

Used in 1 profile

nitrates

Any salt or ester of nitric acid, and the end product of the portion of the nitrogen cycle taking place in most closed aquarium systems (the conversion of nitrates to nitrogen gas in natural systems is carried out by anaerobic microorganisms not normally present in sufficient numbers in aquaria, though this process can be induced by installation of a nitrate reactor). While nitrates are less toxic than ammonia or nitrites, they are still potentially harmful to fishes and other aquatic organisms if allowed to accumulate unchecked, and must therefore be diluted via regular water changes. Aquatic plants also help since they are able to metabolise nitrates to an extent.

Used in 20 profiles

nitrites

A salt or ester of nitrous acid. Produced in aquaria via metabolisation of ammonia by nitrifying bacteria of the genus Nitrosomonas, and toxic to fishes if present in sufficient concentrations, but in a mature system is further converted into less-harmful nitrates by other bacteria of the genus Nitrospira.

Used in 1 profile

Nitrobacter

Genus of bacteria previously thought to reduce nitrIte to nitrAte in an aquarium, but which does not occur, or occurs in negligible quantities, in aquaria.

nominal taxon

A nomenclatural concept denoted by an available name used in an original description, and based, actually or potentially, upon its name-bearing type but having no defined taxonomic boundaries. Often used when the precise definition of a species or genus is unclear, such as when a name may refer to more than one taxon and is therefore in need of clarification.

Used in 33 profiles

oil globule

Small, spherical droplet of oil found within the yolk sac of fish larvae. There may be one or more present and the size, positioning, and colour are also variable meaning they can be useful in terms of taxon identification.

ortho-

Prefix meaning straight, upright, or vertical.

Used in 1 profile

osmotic shock

Rupture of cells in a solution as a result of a sudden reduction in osmotic pressure. Can cause severe issues in fishes when the chemical composition of the water changes rapidly, e.g., during or following a pH crash.

otolith

Calcareous structures contained within the inner ear of most fishes, functioning to provide a sense of balance in a similar way to the inner ear in humans, as well as aiding in hearing. Also known as ear bones, ear stones or statoliths. Accumulate layers of calcium carbonate and gelatinous matrix as a fish ages, these forming structures comparable to tree rings which can be used to ascertain the age of an individual, even to the precise day.

Used in 1 profile

palate

Primarily used in reference to the roof of the mouth but associated bones, including the maxilla and premaxilla, are often included.

Used in 1 profile