breeding line
A group of identical, pure-breeding diploid or polyploid organisms, distinguished from others of the same species by a unique phenotype and genotype. Important in production of line breeding ornamental fish strains.
Results for “organism”
Ichthyological terms, not general ones.
C number
Coding system used to organise and refer to unidentified catfishes, though not necessarily undescribed or distinct species, of the genus Corydoras. Works in tandem with the similar CW number system. The system was invented by German aquarist Hans-Georg Evers and first appeared in the magazine 'DATZ' but is now in popular use worldwide.
Used in 67 profiles
cement gland
Temporary organ normally located on the head in fry of some fish species. Excretes an adhesive substance and used to attach to solid surfaces.
chemoreceptor
A sensory nerve cell or sense organ that responds to chemical stimuli such as smell or taste.
cilium
Microscopic, hairlike process formed on the surface of some cells and unicellular organisms. Capable of rhythmical beating and used for movement by some microorganisms.
clade
A group of organisms sharing homologous features, believed to have evolved from a common ancestor following the principles of cladistics; a monophyletic group; a grouping hypothesised on the basis of phylogenetic information.
Used in 332 profiles
classification
In taxonomy, the arrangement of organisms into taxonomic groups according to their degree of evolutionary relatedness.
Used in 50 profiles
clearwater
In ichthyological and aquarium literature typically refers to habitats containing transparent water with no material in suspension or staining by organic material, thus differing from whitewater or blackwater environments.
Used in 11 profiles
Cnidaria
Phylum of aquatic organisms that includes the corals, jellyfishes, sea anemones, hydrae, etc., and characterised by possession of specialised venomous cells known as cnidocytes. Formerly included in the now-defunct phylum Coelenterata.
commensalism
A symbiotic association between two organisms in which one gains some benefit while the other is unaffected.
common name
Informal, vernacular name for a fish or other organism. Often varies by language, place or time.
Used in 104 profiles
competition
Simultaneous demand by two or more organisms for a limited resource such as food, light or living space.
Used in 16 profiles
competitor
An organism living in competition with another.
Used in 91 profiles
congener
An organism belonging to the same genus as another.
Used in 697 profiles
coral reef
Erosion-resistant aquatic structure formed from living corals, their rock-like skeletal secretions and calcium carbonate deposits from other organisms such as calcareous algae, molluscs, and protozoans.
coral sand
Sand originating from marine environments via bioerosion of the calcareous skeletal structures possessed by some organisms. Coral is not the chief constituent, however, with the majority of material deriving from foraminifera, calcareous algae, molluscs, and crustaceans.
Used in 6 profiles
countershading
Form of camouflage in which an organism possesses darker pigmentation on the parts of the body exposed to light and paler on those normally shaded. Many fishes are coloured darker dorsally and lighter ventrally for this purpose.
Used in 4 profiles
cross
To crossbreed; an organism produced by crossbreeding; a hybrid
Used in 58 profiles
cryptic
In biology to refer to an organism or individual tending to conceal or camouflage itself, usually by some phenotypic or morphological means.
Used in 39 profiles
CW number
Coding system used to organise and refer to unidentified catfishes, though not necessarily undescribed or distinct species, of the genus Corydoras. Works in tandem with the similar C number system. The system was invented by Ian A. M. Fuller in reference to his website 'Corydoras World' but is now in popular use worldwide.
Used in 65 profiles