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.
Free embryo
Free embryo - embryo from the moment of leaving the shell until the moment of transition to mixed fe..
Freshwater fish
Freshwater fish - live exclusively in fresh water - rivers, lakes, reservoirs and are not found in s..
Fulcra
Fulcra are peculiar bony flaps behind the dorsal fin of sturgeons that form the dorsal keel of the c..
Gadidae
Gadidae is a family of fishes in the order Gadiformes. The pelvic fins are in front of or below the ..
Gambusia (Gambusia affinis)
A freshwater fish of the pecilian family. Small fish, males up to 4 cm long, females up to 6 cm.&nbs..
Ganoid scale
From the Greek gános - luster.The bony plates of rhombic firme, covered with a thick layer of ganoid..
Gender reversal
Gender reversal is the process of sex change in fish. There are known cases when previously spawning..
Gene pool
From gene and French fond, base. The set of all genes in a fish population. A term used in popu..
Genipores
Small holes in the skin or papillae with holes on the throat of some fish. Open neuromasts (genipore..
Genital opening
The sexual orifice in fish. The sex glands in females are ovaries: they form oocytes, which are comm..
Genotype
From gene and Greek typos, imprint. The totality of all the genes in an individual in a given popula..
Genus
A genus is a taxonomic unit consisting of a single species or a group of species united by a common ..
Geographic race
A geographically distinct race. See subspecies. Populations of the same species that occupy part of ..
Geothermal waters
Water that comes to the surface from deep within the earth. They are characterised by high temperatu..
Gill cover
The Latin Operculum is "lid.Gill cover - consists of four bones that protect the gill apparatus of b..