Results for “sp.”

batesian mimicry

A form of protective mimicry whereby a harmless species closely resembles an unpalatable or harmful species thus reducing the potential of predation.

CITES

Abbreviation for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Drafted in the 1970s to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species in the wild.

Used in 3 profiles

conserved name

A scientific name that has specific nomenclatural protection under the ICZN code, specifically a name that is otherwise unavailable or invalid but has been made available as a valid name by removal of the obstacles blocking its use.

copepod

Any member of the subclass Copepoda, a group of small marine and freshwater crustaceans of which the planktonic species are important to global ecology, forming the main constituent of oceanic zooplankton. Some species are parasites of fishes.

Used in 6 profiles

couplet

A pair of descriptive statements. Often used in species identification keys to offer the reader a choice resulting in identification of a species or continuation to the next couplet.

cyanobacteria

Phylum of generally blue-green coloured bacteria, often confused with algae, that obtain their energy via photosynthesis and include unicellular and colonial species. Some species occur commonly in aquaria where they're normally regarded as pests.

Used in 21 profiles

Indian almond leaf

Vernacular name for leaves of the leadwood tropical tree species Terminalia catappa which are commonly sold dried for use in aquaria because the organic compounds contained within them are considered beneficial for certain fish species. In particular they may aid in simulation of blackwater conditions and inhibit the growth of some undesirable microorganisms, as well as proving an effective addition to a natural-looking display. Also known as Ketapang leaf, presumably in reference to the city of that name in West Kalimantan province, Indonesian Borneo.

Used in 10 profiles

paratype

In zoological nomenclature, a specimen other than the holotype upon which a description is based, i.e., each specimen of a type series other than the holotype.

Used in 9 profiles

ray

Any of the bony spines supporting the membrane of a fish's fin including both spines and soft rays.

Used in 793 profiles

sexual dimorphism

Phenotypic difference between males and females of a single species. Used in species profiles here on SF to refer to differences in morphology or colour pattern, but officially also refers to behavioural differences.

Used in 99 profiles

subspecies

Taxonomic rank below species, written in the form of a trinomen. Often applied to a geographically-separated population within a species that retains the capability to produce fertile offspring with other populations but may exhibit phenotypic differences.

Used in 78 profiles

ultraviolet

Invisible, continuous spectrum of light having a wavelength just shorter than the violet end of the visible spectrum but longer than that of x-rays.

Actinopterygii

Class of ray-finned fishes, so-called because they possess fin rays. Contains 95%+ of known fish species.

Used in 1 profile

adipose crest

Fatty ridge of flesh extending along the dorsal or ventral surface of the caudal peduncle in certain fishes, e.g., some Schistura spp.

Used in 7 profiles

adipose tissue

Type of connective tissue composed of cells specialised for production and storage of fat globules. The principle means of fat storage in the animal body.

Used in 5 profiles

Aeromonas

A genus of rod-shaped, gram-negative bacteria found in fresh and salt water, soil, and sewage. Various species affect fishes while others are pathogenic to amphibians, reptiles, and higher animals including humans.

African Great Lakes

Series of water bodies mostly located in the East African rift including some of the oldest and deepest in the world, specifically lakes Victoria, Tanganyika, Malawi, Turkana, Albert, Kivu and Edward.

algae

A large and diverse group of simple, typically autotrophic organisms, ranging from unicellular to multicellular forms and including seaweeds, diatoms, and Spirogyra. They're photosynthetic, like plants, and the majority are aquatic.

Used in 408 profiles

algae crab

Loose term used to describe any type of crab useful in an aquarium because it eats algae and/or diatoms. In marine aquaria this would include Sally Lightfoot, Emerald and various species of hermit crab. In freshwater the micro-crab Limnopilos naiyanetri fills the same role.

amphipod

A crustacean of the order Amphipoda, most of which are small and have a laterally-compressed shape. The suborder Gammaridea contains all freshwater species.

Used in 1 profile