unpaired fins
The dorsal, caudal, anal and, if present, adipose fins.
Used in 61 profiles
Results for “unpaired fins”
Ichthyological terms, not general ones.
vertical fin
Unpaired, median fin, i.e., dorsal, caudal, adipose and anal fins.
Used in 1 profile
anal-fin
A median, unpaired, ventral fin located between the anus and caudal fin, usually in the posterior portion of the body. Used to maintain equilibrium and stability.
Used in 764 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
head and lateral line erosion
Severe physical condition relatively common to certain fishes in captivity and also known as hole-in-the-head. Sometimes attributed to protozoan parasites of the genus Hexamita or an autoimmune disorder though these theories remains unconfirmed. Certainly associated with and exacerbated by poor water quality and/or nutrition, however. Initially manifests itself as small lesions, normally on the head of an affected individual, but may also extend along the lateral line and into the unpaired fins. If left unchecked these lesions can develop into larger, whitish pits and the condition may prove fatal. Often abbreviated to HLLE and similar to, but not analagous with, neuromastic pitting. Does not appear to occur in nature.
Used in 35 profiles