Ichthyological terms, not general ones.
In morphology, a paired lateral bone above the mouth lying between the vomer and maxillary; the presence or absence of teeth on the palatine is a defining character in the classification of some fishes. Also known as autopalatine.
Used in 12 profiles
A compressed accumulation of partially-decomposed, chiefly vegetable matter typically found in certain marshes, bogs, and peat swamp forests throughout the world. It forms via breakdown of various plants and other organic materials in water when full decomposition is prevented due to localised acidic, anaerobic conditions. As a result of this somewhat specific nature the organisms inhabiting peaty environments are often stenotypic and found nowhere else. Peat can be used as a fuel when dried and thus has industrial importance in some countries. Also used in aquaria, especially in order to simulate blackwater habitats, either in pure, artificially-granulated or liquid extract form.
Used in 268 profiles
Disc-shaped modification of the pelvic fins, which are often fused, used to adhere to surfaces via suction. Present in certain fishes, especially members of the family Gobiidae. Also known as sucking disc.
Used in 31 profiles
Any salt or ester of phosphoric acid. The presence or addition of excessive phosphates in aquatic ecosystems can have significant ecological effects such as eutrophication, and they are one of the primary contributors to algal growth in aquaria if allowed to accumulate. Conversely, they may be actively added to heavily-planted set-ups in the form of liquid or other supplements in order to encourage plant growth.
Translucent, triangular area in the humeral region, behind the opercle, without muscle and where the anterior part of the gas bladder is in direct contact with the skin. It is hypothesised to function as a hearing aid in many juvenile characoids and is present in adults of certain species, notably members of the family Cheirodontidae.
Used in 2 profiles
Period of isolation, often enforced post-import or purchase of new fish(es) in aquaria, in order to prevent transmission of pathogens or parasites.
Used in 14 profiles
Aggressively greedy or ravenous; feeding on live prey.
Used in 3 profiles
Deliberate release of an organism or group of organisms into an area or habitat previously inhabited by the taxon but from where it has been lost. Primarily carried out for conservation purposes using specimens taken from captivity or relocated from a different area.
Used in 5 profiles
The inability of two or more groups of organisms to interbreed due to the existence of geographical, behavioral, physiological, or genetic barriers. These can be further separated into those being active pre- or post-copulation.
Form of purification, often abbreviated to RO, that removes dissolved salts and other impurities from water by applying pressure to it on one side of a semipermeable membrane. Pure water molecules are able to pass through the membrane while the majority of others are not, with more-or-less pure water the result. Sometimes used in combination with deionisation to remove additional mineral ions. Pure water can be harmful to fishes and is normally remineralised to some degree using proprietary products.
Used in 2 profiles
Abbreviation for ribonucleic acid, a single-stranded, self-replicating genetic material comprised of a chain of nucleotides. Present in nearly all living organisms, and replaces and performs the role of DNA in some viruses. Particularly important in protein synthesis and sometimes in transmission of genetic information.
Genus of aquatic fungi, some species of which attack fishes. Normally a secondary pathogen attacking previously damaged tissue and causing cellular necrosis alongside other epidermal damage. Generally visible as a whitish or greyish filamentous fungus and thus commonly referred to as cotton-wool disease.
Type of grassland ecosystem characterised by any trees present being spaced in such a way that they do not form a closed canopy, thus sufficient light reaches the ground to support unbroken herbaceous cover consisting primarily of grasses. Also spelled 'savannah'.
Used in 10 profiles
Of two or more homonyms: the earlier established or if established simultaneously the one taking precedence.
Of two or more synonyms: the earlier established or if established simultaneously the one taking precedence.
Latin word meaning 'in the sense of'. Often used to refer to the usage of a name by an author in a sense different from that of the original author, another previous author or the current author.
Used in 15 profiles
Taxonomic rank into which a genus is divided, but otherwise difficult to delineate precisely with a single definition satisfying all eventualities still lacking to date. There exist a number of concepts of which the most popular in vertebrate taxonomy include the biological species concept and phylogenetic species concept.
Used in 1,790 profiles
The number of species present in a given sample, habitat, or otherwise specified geographical region.
Individual organism regarded as typical of the group or class to which it belongs; the whole or part of such an organism collected and preserved for scientific purposes.
Used in 1,087 profiles
See fin spine; also a hard, pointed, protective outgrowth or process elsewhere on the body, e.g., a preopercular spine; the spinal column of a vertebrate.
Used in 414 profiles