Glossary

larvae

Plural of larva.

Used in 600 species profiles

Related terms

bloodworm
The freshwater larvae of certain midges which appear bright red due to their high haemoglobin content. Some species of the non-biting Chironomidae family are produced commerically for fish food with the larvae frozen or freeze-dried.
chironomid
Any member of the Chironomidae, a family of nonbiting midges with larvae normally found in freshwater. The larvae of some species are produced commercially for fish food and commonly referred to as 'bloodworm'.
insectivore
An organism feeding only or mostly on insects and their larvae.
larva
Immature free-living juvenile form of an organism that undergoes metamorphosis before assuming the adult form.
oil globule
Small, spherical droplet of oil found within the yolk sac of fish larvae. There may be one or more present and the size, positioning, and colour are also variable meaning they can be useful in terms of taxon identification.
peritoneum
Membranous sac lining the abdominal cavity, the pigmentation of which is sometimes used in identification of fish larvae.
plankton
Any organism, or more typically, collection of organisms drifting freely in a body of water. Used in reference to both microscopic, e.g. algae, fish larvae, and larger, e.g. jellyfish, organisms.
yolk sac
A membranous sac containing yolk attached to the ventral surface of embryos and early larvae in some fishes. Retained for a period post-hatching in those species which form yolk sac larvae.
yolk sac viviparity
Form of livebearing in which the larvae are mostly nourished by a yolk sac which is fully-absorbed prior to birth.

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