Page 99 - Fish and Amphibians (Britannica Illustrated Science Library)

94 GLOSSARY FISH AND AMPHIBIANS 95

Internal Fertilization Migration Parasite Predator Spines Symbiosis
Fertilization of cartilaginous fish, aided by the Travel (vertically in depth, horizontally toward Organism that feeds on organic substances of Species that captures other species to feed Bony rays that support certain fins. Biological partnership established between two
male's copulating organ. These organs, called the coast or along the coast) by schools of fish another living being or host, with which it lives on them. or more individuals (plants or animals) to obtain
claspers, developed from modifications of the at more or less regular intervals (daily or in temporary or permanent contact, either Spiracle mutual benefits.
pelvic fins. seasonally), prompted by factors such as within the host's body (endoparasite) or outside Ray
temperature, light, feeding, reproduction, etc. of the host's body (ectoparasite). Such an Gill openings between the jaw and hyoid arch. Tetrapod
Keel organism can cause sickness in the host. In fish, bony structures that support the fins. These are highly developed in fish of the class
Mimicry Chondryichthes and in a few groups of primitive Animal with two pairs of limbs, each of which
Ridge or fleshy border along the sides of the Pectoral Fin fish. Their main function is to eliminate excess ends in five fingers or toes.
caudal peduncle. Ability of certain organisms to modify their Reef water optimizing water flow into the gill slits.
appearance to resemble elements of their Paired fins located in the thoracic region, behind Spiracles are especially important to rays when Ventral Fin
Larva habitat or other, better protected species, the gill openings. Hard bank that barely reaches above the on the seafloor because the spiracle is where
using camouflage to hide from their predators ocean surface or that lies in very shallow the water enters their gills. Paired fins located on the abdomen.
Immature but separate life-form, quite different or prey. Peduncle waters. It can pose a danger for navigation. It
from the adult. can be inorganic in nature or result from the
Structure that acts as a support. In fish, it is a growth of coral. Spoon Zooplankton
Mouth Incubation
Lateral Line part of the fish's body located between the tail In fishing, a metallic lure trimmed with hooks. Microscopic larvae of crustaceans, fish, and
Mode of gestation for certain fish species that fin and the anal fin. Sarcopterygii other sea animals.
Line along the sides of the fish's body consisting incubate the eggs inside their mouth and spit As the fisher reels in the line, the sinker bobs in
of a series of pores. Another name for the Choanichthyes, a the water like a dying fish to attract a larger
them into a burrow to feed. When the eggs Pelagic fish and tempt it to bite the bait.
hatch, the parent protects the young inside subclass of bony fish. Their fins are joined to
Luminous Organs its mouth. Relating to organisms that live at or near the the body by fleshy lobes, and those of the
ocean's surface. lungfish resemble filaments. Sportfishing
Most fish in the ocean depths have biolumi-
nescent organs that shine in the darkness and Multispecific Fishing Photophore Sport of catching fish by hand. In most cases
are used to attract prey or to communicate. Scales the fish, once caught, is returned to the sea
The harvesting of many species of fish and Mucous glands modified for the production of or river.
shellfish, with no particular species considered Small bony plates that grow from the skin and
Lungfish more important than the rest. This type of light. The light can come from symbiotic overlap each other.
Fish that appeared in the Mesozoic Era, 250 fishing is done in tropical and subtropical phosphorescent bacteria or from oxidation Stinger
processes within the tissues.
million years ago. Like amphibians, these waters. School Sharp point that grows from the skin. The order
species breathe with lungs and are considered Rajiformes includes two families that have
living fossils. Only three species have survived Oceanic Phytoplankton Transient grouping of fish of the same poisonous stingers on the final one third of their
to the present. Microscopic plants, of great importance as the population or species, brought together by
Region of open water beyond the edge of the basic link in most underwater food chains. similar behavior. tail. The stinger is extremely sharp and has
serrated edges.
Lure continental shelf or island coasts.
Placoid Shipyard
Fixed or articulate lures are used in fishing to Operculum Sucker
imitate small fish that are the prey of larger Scales typical of cartilaginous fish and other Place where small and large watercraft are
predatory fish. Gill cover of bony fish. ancient species. These scales are made of pulp, built and repaired. Structure formed from the pectoral and pelvic
dentine, and enamel like that found in teeth, and fins to generate pressure and stick to a surface.
It can also be a modification of the anterior
Mesopelagic Osteichthyes they have a small protrusion. They are usually
very small and point outward. Simple Metamorphosis dorsal fin, the pelvic fin, or the buccal (mouth)
Relating to organisms that live in the ocean Class of fish that includes all bony fish, disk of the cyclostomes.
depths, where light is dim. The mesopelagic characterized by a highly ossified skeleton. This Process in which the general appearance of an
zone is intermediate between the upper or is contrasted with the class Chondrichthyes, Plankton animal remains similar, although some organs Swim Bladder
euphotic (well-lit) zone and the lower or aphotic including fish with cartilaginous skeletons (rays, Group of floating aquatic microorganisms, atrophy and others develop.
(lightless) zone. skates, chimaeras, and sharks). passively moved by winds, currents, and waves. A sac located in the anterior dorsal region of the
Spawning intestine that contains gas. Its function is to
Metamorphosis Ovoviviparous Port Action of producing or laying eggs. enable the animal to maintain buoyancy. This

Drastic change in the shape and behavior of an Describing prenatal development of the young Area along the coast, sheltered by natural or structure evolved as a lung, and, in some fish, it
retains its breathing function.
animal, usually during growth from an within the egg capsule, which is stored inside artificial means, where ships dock and carry on
immature phase to maturity.
the female's body. their operations.