Reproductive strategy whereby the eggs are laid on a solid surface where they hatch before being brooded for a further period in the mouth of one or both parents. Seen in some Geophagus spp., for example.

Relating to, situated on or in, or extending towards the side or sides. Opposite of medial.

Sensory organ comprising a series of neuromasts running along the head and flanks and used to detect movement and vibration in the surrounding water. Also known as the lateralis system and visible as one or more rows of pored scales of varying length in many  fishes.

Any visibly-pored scale of the lateral line system, counts of which are often used as an identifying feature.

The number of more-or-less vertically-arranged scale rows present between the upper end of the gill opening and the caudal fin base. Sometimes referred to as vertical scale rows and used in meristic counts when the lateral line is absent, incompletely pored or otherwise difficult to distinguish.

Line of scales extending along scales along the flank. Used in meristic counts when the lateral line is absent or incompletely pored.

See lateral line.

Located or orientated on the side towards the rear.

Small, visible pores on the head and/or body. Part of the lateral line system.

Located or orientated on the side towards the base or bottom.

Literally, ‘feeding on yolk’. A form of development in which an embryo receives no nutrition other than the yolk contained within its egg.

In zoological nomenclature, a syntype specimen selected as the name-bearing type of a nominal taxon in the absence of a designated holotype.

Of, relating to, or inhabiting still or very slow-moving bodies of freshwater. Opposite of lotic.

A species practicing lepidophagy.

Of or relating to lepidophagy.

Feeding on the scales of other fishes.

Bony structures that form segments of the soft fin rays in Osteichthyes.

Condition in which all types of skin pigment are reduced due to defects in pigment cell differentiation with the normal result a partially (often referred to as 'pied' or 'piebald'), or more rarely, completely white animal. Differs from albinism, which is caused by a lack of melanin only, in several ways, with one of the […]

Of, relating to, or displaying leucism.

Abbreviation of ‘local fish shop’ or ‘local fish store’ commonly used in the aquarium h0bby.