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.
Megaloplankton
Megaloplankton are marine planktonic organisms that are larger than 1 m in size. The largest are the..
Meiobenthos
Meiobenthos (meso) - organisms ranging in size from 0.1 to 2 mm. It includes lower crustaceans (ostr..
Melanophores
Melanophores are pigment cells containing melanin grains that determine the black, brown, and blue-b..
Mesopelagial
Pelagial (from Greek πέλαγος - sea), the water column of oceans, seas and lakes (from the surface to..
Mesoplankton
Mesoplankton are organisms that are 1 to 5 mm in size.A set of planktonic organisms: of lower crusta..
Mesosaprobic organisms
Mesosaprobic organisms are organisms that develop in waters moderately polluted with organic matter...
Mesosaprobic pond
A body of water with low organic pollution. In such a reservoir, oxygen is present in significant qu..
Metamorphosis
From the Greek metamórphosis - transformation.Metamorphosis is the process of transformation of a la..
Microbenthos
Microbenthos - includes organisms smaller than 0.1 mm. These include bacteria, infusoria, algae, mit..
Microplankton
Plankton is a collection of pelagic aquatic organisms at the mercy of water currents. They are organ..
Migrations
Migrations - hereditary fixed mass movements, annually repeated by fish in a certain direction and i..
Milt
Milt is the sperm of fish produced at the time of spawning. The name is derived from the color and c..
Molidae
Molidae is a family of fishes of the order Tetraodontiformes. The body is tall, short without a tail..
Molluscs
A type of secondary invertebrate. Probably originated in the Precambrian; several classes of mollusc..
Monophage
From ancient Greek μόνος - one + φαγεῖν - to eat, devour.Monophage fish are fish that consume one ty..