Dictionary of Ichthyology
This dictionary of ichthyology contains specialist terms used in the teaching of undergraduate students. The terms are arranged alphabetically for ease of reference.
In addition to ichthyology, terms from hydrobiology, zoology, anatomy, fish farming and other related disciplines are included.
Where terms have different interpretations, we have assigned the most common interpretation in our view.
This dictionary is constantly being added to and modified.
If you do not agree with the above interpretation of the Terms, please explain your understanding in the comments to these Terms.
We invite you to participate in the development of a modern ichthyological vocabulary.
We will consider any criticism and take it into account when describing dictionary terms.
Cycloid scales
From the Greek kykloeides - circular, round.Cycloid scales are bony scales with smooth, rounded edge..
Cyclopteridae
From the words of Ancient Greek κύκλος 'circle' and Ancient Greek πτέρυξ 'fin'.Cyclopteridae is a fa..
Cyclostomata
Cyclostomata - primitive vertebrates (lampreys and hagfish). The jaws are absent, the mouth is in th..
Cyprinidae
Cyprinidae is a family of fishes of the order Cypriniformes. The body is naked or covered with scale..
Cyst
From the Greek κύστις "bubble".Cyst - a dense shell in many parasites and other invertebrates, used ..
Daily rhythm of life
Diurnal rhythm of life - repetitive actions developed during the formation of the species as an adap..
Dalliidae
Dalliidae is a family of fish of the order Salmoniformes. The scales are small. Pectoral and caudal ..
Danube bleak
The Danube bleak (Alburnus chalcoides) is a marine fish of the carp family. The Azov-Black Sea Albur..
Daphnia
A genus of branchiopod crustaceans. Body length 1-3 mm. They have a facet eye, less commonly an addi..
Death of fish
Death of fish - mass death of aquatic animals as a result of reduction of dissolved oxygen content i..
Degeneration of fish eggs
Degeneration of fish eggs is the process of eggs resorption in the ovaries; it is observed when the ..
Degree day
Degree-days is a concept that gives an idea of the amount of heat needed for the development of the ..
Delta
The name comes from the capital letter of the Greek alphabet, by the resemblance to which it was giv..
Denatant migration
Fish migration is the mass movement of fish from one area or body of water to another, are in one wa..
Denitrification
Denitrification - microbial reduction of nitrates and nitrites to nitrogen, sometimes nitrous oxide,..