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.
Overwintering of fish
Overwintering of fish - an adaptation that ensures fish survival in unfavorable winter conditions (f..
Ovipositor
The ovipositor is an external sexual organ in the female of some fish, which is a modified urogenita..
Ovoviviparity
Ovoviviparity is a method of animal reproduction in which fertilised eggs are retained in the rear, ..
Ovulation
From Latin ovulum testis, diminutive of ovum egg.Ovulation is the process by which the oocytes fall ..
Oxyphilous
Oxyphilous species are fish that require significant oxygenation of water, not less than 7 mg/l, to ..
Pacific saury
Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) is a marine fish of the family Scomberesocidae. Length up to 36 cm, ..
Paddlefish (Polyodontidae)
A family of fishes in the order Acipenseriformes. The body is bare. The body is bare. Ganoid scales ..
Pancreas
The pancreas is a gland of mixed secretion; in fish it lies in the loop between the stomach and inte..
Panmixia
Panmixia is the free interbreeding of individuals of a population with each other.It is the ability ..
Parthenogenesis
From the ancient Greek παρθένος γένεσις - virgin birth.Parthenogenesis is a type of sexual reproduct..
Passage fish
Passage fish - fish that live in the sea, brackish lakes, and for reproduction go to the rivers, goi..
Pearl rash
Pearl rash - cone-shaped bumps covered with horny substance, formed by the overgrowth of the epiderm..
Pectoral fins
A fin is an organ or device used to control movement in an aquatic or other liquid medium. It is mos..
Pelagial
Pelagial is the water column of oceans, seas and lakes. In seas and oceans it is divided into enipel..
Pelagic fishes
Pelagic fishes - ecological group of fishes inhabiting surface layers and water column (pelagial). T..