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.
Animal-eating fish
Animal-eating fishes are fishes that consume animal food. They are subdivided into planktophagous (h..
Annual Ring
The annual ring is the annual growth of mineralized formations that are deposited on the scales, fla..
Antennae
Antennas are the sensory organs of some fish. They are located on the front of the head. They vary i..
Aphotic zone
Aphotic zone - deep layers of water where sunlight does not penetrate.From a... and the Greek phos (..
Aquaculture
Aquaculture – the artificial or controlled culture of aquatic organisms, including stripping a..
Aquifer
A layer of rock or soil saturated with water that has seeped in after rainfall or come from rivers o..
Armed Fish
Fish that have adaptations (spines, sticks, venom) that protect them from predators. These include: ..
Artificial selection
Artificial selection - conscious and unconscious selection by man of individuals of plants, animals ..
Aspius aspius
Aspius aspius is a semipalmated and freshwater fish of the carp family. The body length reaches 60-8..
Atlantic cod
Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) is a marine fish of the cod family. Body length up to 170 cm, weight up ..
Atlantic halibut
Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) is a marine fish of the flatfish family. It has a spike..
Atlantic salmon
Atlantic salmon, noble salmon (Salmo salar) is a passage fish of the genus noble salmon. It lives in..
Autochthonous
Autochthonous - local, indigenous in origin.Autochthonousness (from the Greek αὐτός "itself" + χθών ..
Autochthonous drautogenic
Autochthonous drainage (autogenic drainage) – karst drainage derived entirely from absorption ..
Autotroph
An autotroph or primary producer is an organism that produces complex organic compounds (such as car..